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Label Decoder Series: California's Prop 65 Warning Labels

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Label Decoder Series: California's Prop 65 Warning Labels

A practical way to spot potentially harmful chemicals in everyday products

You've probably seen those yellow warning labels: "WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm."

These Proposition 65 warnings are actually a useful shopping tool.

What Is Prop 65?

Back in 1986, California voters passed Proposition 65 because they wanted to know what chemicals they were being exposed to. The idea was simple: if companies had to warn people about harmful chemicals, maybe they'd reformulate products to remove them instead.

It worked. Many companies did clean up their products to avoid the warning labels. Others added warnings, but that's still useful information.

The law has gotten even better over time. Since 2018, labels must name the specific chemical - not just give a generic warning. This update makes Prop 65 actually helpful for families trying to make informed choices.

Today, the law covers approximately 900 chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. You'll find these warnings on furniture, electronics, jewelry, food products, and children's items.

The Reality Check

Not all warnings mean equal risk. Some companies slap them on everything because it's easier than testing or reformulating products. But the labels do flag products containing chemicals like lead, cadmium, BPA, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

How to Use Them

Smart approach:

  • Read labels for specific chemical names
  • Focus on products your kids use most
  • Compare options and choose items without warnings when possible
  • Don't panic - warnings indicate lifetime exposure risk, not immediate danger

Think of Prop 65 as free information. California identified concerning chemicals; now you can use that knowledge anywhere.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment maintains the full list at P65Warnings.ca.gov with helpful fact sheets explaining what these chemicals are and where they're commonly found.

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