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What You Should Know About P65 Warnings

by 64 Comments

Key takeaways
  • Proposition 65 requires warnings on products exposing Californians to chemicals causing cancer or reproductive harm.
  • P65 warnings are mainly for California but influence nationwide product safety and consumer decisions.
  • About 900 chemicals are listed under P65, including styrene, which is linked to cancer and reproductive risks.
  • P65 warnings do not necessarily mean a product is unsafe, but inform consumers to make educated choices.
  • Manufacturers often provide Safety Data Sheets and certifications for detailed chemical safety information.

Answering Your Questions About Proposition 65 Warning Labels

Proposition 65 (P65) warnings are to inform Californians about products that could expose them to chemicals that can cause cancer or reproductive harm. Although P65 warnings are most common in California, they are influencing nationwide product safety and consumer decisions.

Have you recently purchased a product that had a Prop 65 warning? In this blog, we cover common questions about P65 warnings. We’re also sharing what you should know before buying items with a P65 warning label.

California Proposition 65 Warnings P65 warning label

P65 Warning FAQs:

What is a P65 warning?

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposure to chemicals that can cause risk of cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Proposition 65 became law in California in 1986 and requires California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm annually.

If you buy a product or food item with a P65 warning label and you don’t live in California, the company likely sells it to Californians and must include the warning label.

Proposition 65 also applies warnings to more than just physical goods and foods. It prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of chemicals into sources of drinking water.

What you need to know:

P65 warnings are required for products sold in California to allow Californians to make informed decisions about their exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

What does a P65 warning look like?

Warnings may look different from product to product or location to location. Manufacturers usually include a warning label that says, ⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Sometimes you may see a specific chemical named, other times you may not. The important thing is to ensure that the warning complies with California’s guidelines and informs you before you purchase or use a product.

What does a P65 warning mean?

P65 stands for Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

Who is in charge of and enforces Proposition 65?

The P65 website is operated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). It aims to give the public information about chemicals, products, and locations linked to P65 warnings. The California Attorney General’s Office enforces it and ensures that the state oversees and enforces compliance.

senior man at grocery store with P65 warnings label

If I don’t live in California, do you need to worry about P65 warnings?

Although Proposition 65 is a California law, it has led to safer products nationwide. These warnings help you make safer, more informed decisions about the products you buy.

Why do products or foods have P65 Warnings?

California is required to update and publish a list of these chemicals each year. At this moment, there are approximately 900 chemicals on the list. For a business to sell products to Californians, it must include a warning of some kind.

For consumer products, warning stickers should be displayed directly on the packaging or product. If you buy online, you may find the warnings somewhere in the product description.

Restaurants may have the warning on menus or right at entrances.

Rental Facilities may have warnings in common areas or within lease agreements.

I bought something with a P65 warning. Should I be worried?

It can be alarming when you encounter a P65 warning because there are no clear details about the chemicals involved. Many household products, including gardening supplies like tomato towers, furniture, makeup, or even toys, can have the label. You can find the warning label on almost anything nowadays. Food and beverage items, even certain fish and processed foods, may carry warning labels.

Unfortunately, identifying the particular chemical used in the product can be tricky, as manufacturers are not required to list the exact substance on the label. A Prop 65 warning is intended to alert you to the possible presence of one or more chemicals from the list that is maintained by California.

As a consumer, if you buy a product or food with a P65 warning label, you acknowledge that you understand the product may expose you to a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

Why might a product include a warning about exposure to styrene?

Styrene is a chemical that is on California’s Proposition 65 list due to its potential to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Due to this, products that contain it are legally bound by the list to notify you of the exposure to styrene through direct contact, inhalation during use, or possible entry of food or drink.

Disposable food containers and certain building materials are examples of styrene products. Plastics and rubber containing styrene are commonly used in manufacturing these items, but seeing the warning doesn’t necessarily mean they will cause harm. The goal is simply to help you make more educated decisions about what you use or consume.

If something I bought has a P65 warning, is it safe to use/eat?

If something you buy has a P65 label, it is up to you whether to heed the warning. These warnings do not necessarily mean the product is unsafe; you may be exposed to unsafe chemicals. Whether or not you choose to buy it is ultimately up to you.

What resources are available from product manufacturers regarding chemical safety (e.g., Safety Data Sheets, certifications)?

Some product manufacturers usually go beyond posting a P65 warning label when they are concerned about informing consumers about chemical safety. Many provide detailed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that outline the materials in their products, including all known health risks and safe handling instructions. You’ll also often find certificates and reports from third parties that describe a product’s chemical composition and verify that it meets safety standards.

If you’re unsure about a specific item, checking the manufacturer’s website can provide the documents you need and ease your worries.

woman researching on computer on P65 warnings

Where can consumers find more information about the chemical composition of products?

If you’re considering buying a product that has a P65 warning, we recommend visiting the P65 Warnings website for the most up-to-date information.

P65 Warnings Official Website

For additional information on the chemical composition of specific products, check the websites of the component manufacturers. They often provide additional resources and safety details about the materials used. It may take more research, but you can be sure you have the most accurate information available.

Why does my refrigerator water filter say Cancer or Reproductive Harm?

Businesses in California, and those who sell to Californians, must disclose that a product may expose you to chemicals. These chemicals may cause cancer or reproductive harm. The substance could be in the filter casing or the filtration media itself; however, businesses are not required to share specifics. These warnings put the responsibility on the consumer to make an informed decision about their purchase.

The P65 Warnings Process

For the most accurate and reliable P65 compliance, thorough testing is essential. The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 requires that clear warnings be provided for all products that may expose consumers to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Prop 65 covers over 800 substances and counting, including common culprits like lead, mercury, and formaldehyde. These chemicals are in everyday consumer products, including toys, electronics, furniture, cosmetics, and certain foods. The list of substances is updated regularly as new research emerges.

Is it Safe? Proposition 65 Edition

Common product categories that have Prop 65 warnings include:

  • Coffee and roasted foods: Acrylamide is a byproduct formed during roasting/cooking.
  • Fish or Seafood: Some fish contain naturally occurring mercury.
  • Spices and Rice: Likely grown in soil that contained heavy metals like lead or arsenic.
  • Electronics: Cables or cords with plastic jacketing may contain lead.
  • Plastics: Products made with PVC or vinyl, such as rain gear, garden hoses, and shower curtains, may contain phthalates.
  • Furniture and Mattresses: May contain polyurethane foam, flame retardants, or PFAS.
  • Personal Care Products: Nail polishes and perfumes that contain artificial fragrances.

A P65 warning does not mean a product is unsafe; it is primarily designed to inform consumers about their exposure. Use at your own risk, or look for products with natural ingredients or lower toxicity.

The More You Know

Knowledge is power, and making informed decisions about the products you buy is a great place to start. If you are concerned about your exposure to cancer-causing or reproductive-harming products, steer clear of products that come with a label. If you are unable to avoid buying a product with a warning, make sure you do your due diligence to understand how it may affect your health. At Filters Fast, part of our mission is to help you foster a health-conscious lifestyle. If you have any questions about products with warnings on our website, please contact us at 866-438-3458 or [email protected].

Here are a few resources and articles about P65 warnings that might be helpful to you:

 

About the Author

  • With over seven years of experience in the filtration industry, I am dedicated to making complex filtration concepts simple. As a passionate content creator, I have cultivated in-depth expertise, sharing insights and practical advice on all things filtration. I am committed to providing valuable, easy-to-understand content for anyone interested in healthier air and water solutions.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Debra says

    Yes this California law should be national. Anything from abroad or made in the states should be tested before making it available for purchase. We need to be more concientous in what we put in any product.

  3. Katie says

    Edith,

    Thank you for sharing this with us. P65 are intended to warn Californians about their exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. You can learn more about P65 warnings on this website: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/

  4. Edith says

    YES!! I live in a bldg for seniors only. We just had our apts renovated and that included new appliances. A friend just noticed the sticker in the frig indicating this problem. What the hell? We seniors have enough to worry about without our food being stored in things that can harm us!! The owners of this property, A HUD LOW INCOME HOUSING UNIT, should be fined and have to buy SAFE PRODUCTS FOR OUT LIVING SPACES!!!

  6. Russell says

    I do believe p65 should be a national law, even worldwide! So much we cannot control, but I prefer the choice to buy healthy. Why do we allow sales of unhealthy products?

  7. Katie says

    Arthur,

    Thank you for reaching out to us! You are correct, all of our 20″ bag filters are 4″ x 18″. You are looking for an x100 filter bag and we do not carry any. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  8. Arthur Allegar says

    I have been trying to get a bag type water filter for my BIG BLUE sediment filter. It is made by AMETEK . The measurements are 6 inches diameter by 20 inches in length. Each one of your parts listed as 20 inch are in reality 18 inches by 4 inches.
    Regardless of how I tell my needs all that I can find are the smaller filters that will NOT work !
    Do you or do you NOT make a 6 inch by 20 inch bag type filter ?

  9. Katie says

    Hi Barbara,

    Yes, we do sell many products that are made in the USA. I am not able to locate 10″ Pentax on our site, do you have any other product information?

  11. Katie says

    Martha,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand your concern. p65 warnings require businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposure to chemicals. You can learn more about p65 warnings on this website: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/

    We would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer to confirm whether it is the water filter or the materials used to manufacture the refrigerator that warrant the p65 warning.

  12. Marha Cudlipp says

    To Whom this may concern,

    We just bought a Generl Electric Refrigerator with ice and water on front door.

    Yesterday I, for the first time, read the P65 warning inside it and I am very concerned, especially because mu husband has had Lymphoma cancer.

    Model GFE24JGKWW WH, Serial AT317411. Manufactured in Mexico.

    Is it the water filter, or the plastic used to manufacture this refrigerator the carcinoma possible cause? Please help us. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

    Martha and Chandler Cudlipp

  13. Katie says

    Grace,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. We understand your concern. p65 warnings require businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. You can learn more about p65 warnings on this website: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/

    We would also recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of the door for more details.

  14. Grace says

    Concern about outdoor entry storm door P65 warnings, when inside exit door is open or closed. closed.

  15. Katie says

    Gary,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. That’s a great question! p65 warnings require businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposure to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. You can learn more about p65 warnings on this website: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/

    Or we would also recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of the air filter for more details.

  16. gary loveland says

    Wanting to by a car air filter for a Dodge Hell Cat
    Has a p65 warning on a AIR filter, very unlikely ? (cancer – chemicals, how ?)

  18. Chinda says

    I am looking to purchase a Nutri- Ninja Blender- BL580-w/Freshvac Technology 1100w-sss- 825 and I took notice it has a P65 warning on bottom of the device. Should I be concern about buying it?

  23. Nancy Burfeind says

    My Pillowfort night light (F 361623) has a P65 warning notice. Should I be concerned about keeping this product ? Thank you for your attention.

  25. Shelly says

    I just bought Invisible Cool Mist Humidifier and as I was getting ready to recycle the box, the bottom of the box had Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm- http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
    Should I be concerned on using this product? I bought this product because it was recommended by my doctor to run a humidifier due to dryness in my place. I know it has helped me tremendously.

  30. Charlene M. Roberts says

    How can I find out what in the natural food supplement Chaga has the chemical for the prob 65 list?

  31. Marianne says

    Prop 65 warnings would be a great useful tool if they made companies list why, what and where the toxic element is in the product and the level of exposure. As it stands now you have to have a degree to figure this out and the average consumer needs more visible easily attainable data. That is my opinion, anyone else agree?

  34. Alexkidd says

    I guess the masks have the warning because the have ink, non cotton materials, like polyester or whatever, so if the law say they have to inform, the mask will have a warning about cancer.

  36. Dee says

    So here in New York or any other state could have these cancerous chemicals in furniture, but not legally bonded to inform anyone? Or is that law to tell Californians about all cancerous chemicals no matter what level? I’m I’m trying to buy furniture and almost all has warning. Thanks

  38. Sammie says

    It’s very confusing cause I am certain I have products in my home that didn’t have this warning.

  39. Katie says

    Carolyn,

    We found this statement on their website that we think best sums it up: If a warning is placed on a product label or posted or distributed at a workplace, a business, or in rental housing, the business issuing the warning is aware or believes that it is exposing individuals to one or more listed chemicals.

    By law, a warning must be given for listed chemicals unless the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

    For the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations regarding p65 warnings, we recommend visiting this website: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/

  42. Carolyn says

    If the product does not list the chemicals and the CA prop 65 website is to check the listing of chemicals, it’s pretty much useless. And it’s crazy, they say these warnings do not necessarily mean the product/food is unsafe, Sorry for venting. I have been trying to determine for over 3 months whether to buy a table because it has the warning but it doesn’t have a list of chemicals to check on the website.

  43. alina del rivero says

    Sorry but I do not quite understand if it is a yes or a no that it does harm.
    We recently purchased an outdoor loveseat, table and chair with the warning.
    Should we throw away.
    Please advise.
    Thank you.

  44. Linda says

    Purchased a cotton face mask with the P65 warning on it made in China. Why would we consider buying these from the country that gave us the virus in the first place? Would wearing this face mask all day put me at great risk

  48. C. Mc Millan says

    I purchased Panacea tomato towers for my garden.. It has the cancer warning and website address, however the Label does not contain a list is chemical used. I inserted the product name but without success.

  50. Merdis Morgan says

    I purchased a bed side table that has the P65 warning ⚠️ on the outside of the box. Is there a way of knowing if this item has a significant percentage of cancer causing chemicals that should be avoided or not purchased or is it safer to just not purchase these or type items?

  56. Lupe Perez says

    Just bought a wheel chair that I needed due to my arthritis. And I was putting it together, I see the warning label of P65. Now I want to return it.
    Is this dangerous only if consumed, or also it will be in a vehicle so I’m sure it will get hot on there making chemicals stronger. Clearly it’s impossible to get a wooden wheelchair. Please someone help me understand this.

  58. Susan Berger says

    Does that mean if wire has this warning just touching the wire can expose the person handling it? How much contact? Even minimal?

  59. Katie says

    Leilani,

    That is a great question! We would recommend visiting this website for the most up-to-date information on P65 warnings: https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/ You can also contact them if you cannot find the answer to your question. We hope this is helpful!

  63. Katie says

    Robert,

    Thanks for your comment. We appreciate you taking the time to read our blog and share your thoughts.

  64. Robert Hreno says

    Yes! Why on earth would I buy a product knowing that it contains cancer causing agents and other health risk? This should be a national law and why is this not is a crime? Shame on corporations that use this chemical to make money, it is inconceivable why companies would make a product with harmful causing chemicals. Especially when someone is buying a product for their family to stay healthy, and the product is doing the total opposite, sure you may have clean water, but, sorry to say you now have cancer and will possible die. This is wrong!

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