Proposition 65

In 1986, California passed legislation called the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 that entitles its residents and consumers to receive special notifications about products known by the state to contain chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm if the exposure to them is above specific thresholds, so that they can make informed decisions about using them in their home or work environments. Today this legislation is commonly known as Proposition 65.

The warning labels read, “WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Tools

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:

• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically treated lumber.

Your risk from exposure to these chemicals varies, depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce your exposure, work in a well-ventilated area and with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to filter out microscopic particles.

Lead Crystal Glasses

Lead levels in the crystal glasses sold in our Kitchen & Housewares Store comply with FDA standards. California requires the following separate notice:

WARNING: Consuming foods or beverages that have been kept or served in leaded crystal products will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. This warning does not apply to Baccarat decanters, flacons, stoppered pitchers, and mustard and jam pots.

Ceramic Tableware

Lead levels in the ceramic tableware sold in our Kitchen & Housewares Store comply with FDA standards. California requires the following separate notice for ceramic tableware on the packaging:

WARNING: Use of this tableware will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Jewelry and Tiffany Style Lamps

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Electrical Cords

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: The wires of this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Motor Vehicles

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: Motor vehicles contain fuel, oils and fluids, battery posts, terminals and related accessories which contain lead and lead compounds and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. These chemicals are found in vehicles, vehicle parts and accessories, both new and as replacements. When being serviced, these vehicles generate used oil, waste fluids, grease, fumes and particulates, all known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm.

Beauty Products

California requires the following notice on beauty and skin care products that contain progesterone:

WARNING: This product contains progesterone, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Consult with your physician before using this product.

Fresh Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: This product may contain a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Alcoholic Beverages, Including, Without Limitation, Beer, Malt, Beverages, Wine, and Distilled Spirits

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: Drinking Distilled Spirits, Beer, Coolers, Wine and Other Alcoholic Beverages May Increase Cancer Risk, and, During Pregnancy, Can Cause Birth Defects.

Canned and Bottled Foods and Beverages

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a omg omg chemical known to the State of California to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/BPA.

Coffee and Some Roasted Nuts, Baked Goods and Snack Foods

California requires the following notice:

WARNING: Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, including acrylamide, are present in coffee and some roasted nuts, baked goods and snack foods such as chips. Acrylamide is not added to these products, but results naturally from the roasting, baking or cooking process. The FDA has not advised people to stop consuming foods that are fried, roasted, or baked. For more information regarding the FDA’s views, visit www.fda.gov.