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What You Should Know About P65 Warnings

by 62 Comments

Have you recently purchased a product that had a P65 warnings? It will usually say something like “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.”

It seems as if these warning labels are showing up more, so we’ve done some research to answer the following questions:

  • What does a P65 warning mean?
  • What is a P65 warning?
  • If I don’t live in California, do I need to worry about P65 warnings?
  • Why do products or foods have P65 warnings?
  • If something I bought has a P65 warning on it, is it safe to use/eat?

California Proposition 65 Warning P65 warnings

 

The P65 website is operated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and provides information to the public about chemicals, products, and locations that are associated with P65 warnings.

What does a P65 warning mean?

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

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 that has a P65 warning label on it and you don’t live in California, it’s more than likely sold to Californians and the business is required to have the P65 warning label on it.

Proposition 65 warnings are not just limited to 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. 

senior man at grocery store with P65 warnings label

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

Although Proposition 65 is a law in California, it has resulted in safer products nationwide. These warnings allow you to make safer, more informed decisions about the products you are buying.

Why do products or foods have P65 Warnings?

If you buy a product or food that has a P65 warning label on it, it means that you might be exposed to a chemical that has been known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. 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.

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

If something you buy has a P65 label on it, it is up to you whether or not you 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.

woman researching on computer on P65 warnings

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

Do you think P65 Warnings should become a national law? Let us know why in the comments. 

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

  1. 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/

  2. 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!!!

  4. 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?

  5. 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!

  6. 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 ?

  7. 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?

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. 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.

  12. Grace says

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

  13. 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.

  14. 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 ?)

  16. 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?

  21. 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.

  23. 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.

  28. Charlene M. Roberts says

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

  29. 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?

  32. 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.

  34. 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

  36. Sammie says

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

  37. 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/

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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

  46. 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.

  48. 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?

  54. 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.

  56. 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?

  57. 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!

  61. Katie says

    Robert,

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

  62. 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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