Proposition 65, formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law that requires businesses to notify consumers if their products contain certain chemicals identified by the state as potentially causing cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The law’s purpose is not to ban products but to ensure consumers are informed about potential exposures so they can make decisions that align with their health goals.
How Many Chemicals Fall Under Proposition 65?
The Proposition 65 list currently includes over 900 chemicals, which is continually growing as new substances are identified and added. These chemicals encompass a wide variety of naturally occurring and synthetic substances, including:
- Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium (naturally present in soil, water, and plants).
- Industrial chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and certain pesticides.
- Household substances found in everyday products like plastics, furniture, and cleaning supplies.
- Natural substances such as retinol (vitamin A) in certain doses or plant-based ingredients that absorb heavy metals from the soil.
Many of these substances occur naturally in the environment and are found in trace amounts in foods, beverages, and dietary supplements. Others may result from industrial processes or agricultural practices.
Should I Be Concerned About Prop 65 Warnings?
The presence of a Prop 65 warning does not mean a product is unsafe when used as directed. Prop 65 warning thresholds are extremely stringent—often far lower than federal limits set by the FDA or EPA. For example:
- The FDA allows up to 12.5 micrograms of lead per day, while Prop 65 requires a warning if exposure exceeds 0.5 micrograms per day—a 25x stricter threshold.
- Foods like dark chocolate, spinach, and grape juice naturally contain heavy metals that often exceed Prop 65 limits. However, these are widely recognized as safe when used normally.
Prop 65 is unique to California and applies to a broad range of products, including dietary supplements, furniture, and coffee sold in cafes. Many physical locations, such as restaurants, parking garages, and hospitals, are also required to display Prop 65 warnings.
How Do We Ensure Your Safety?
At DrChristianson.com, we take your health seriously. Our products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure they meet or exceed FDA standards for safety and quality. These tests check for:
- Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
- Potency and purity of active ingredients.
Why Do Some Products Have a Prop 65 Label While Others Don’t?
Prop 65 labels are required only for products sold in California that exceed the state’s extremely low thresholds for certain chemicals. While some similar products may not carry a Prop 65 warning, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are free from these chemicals.
- Some companies may be too small to fall under the law’s purview.
- Others might choose not to label their products and instead accept the legal risk.
At DrChristianson.com, we choose to fully comply with Prop 65 regulations, even though these warnings apply only to California residents. Transparency is a cornerstone of our commitment to your health and well-being.
The Bottom Line
Prop 65 warnings are about awareness, not alarm. They provide consumers with information so they can make informed decisions. While the thresholds set by California are exceptionally strict, rest assured that we go above and beyond to ensure the safety and quality of our products.
For more information about Proposition 65, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.