The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) plays a crucial role in the implementation and administration of California’s Proposition 65. OEHHA is a branch of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) responsible for assessing health risks associated with environmental contaminants and providing scientific guidance to protect public health and the environment.

Effective August 11, 2023, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has included three additional chemicals to the roster of substances recognized by the State of California as capable of causing cancer under Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (sections 25249.5 et seq.)

The newly listed chemicals are:

  • 1. Anthracene (CAS No-120-12-7)
  • 2. 2-bromopropane (CAS No-75-26-3)
  • 3. dimethyl hydrogen phosphite (CAS No-868-85-9)

Their inclusion adheres to the “Labor Code” listing protocol (HSC § 25249.8(a); Title 27 California Code of Regulations section 25904).

A public comment window spanning from June 16 to July 17, 2023, was instituted. During this period, no comments were submitted.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification designates anthracene and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite as members of Group 2B, signifying they are “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Furthermore, 2-bromopropane falls into Group 2A, implying it is “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

In line with research by Cattley et al. in 2023, all three chemicals—anthracene, 2-bromopropane, and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite—possess ample data substantiating their carcinogenic nature in animal studies.

By adding those three chemicals to the list, California reaffirms its commitment to transparency and public health. The meticulous adherence to the “Labor Code” listing protocol (HSC § 25249.8(a); Title 27 California Code of Regulations section 25904) underscores the state’s dedication to informed decision-making, ensuring that citizens have access to accurate information about potential risks.

References:

  • 1. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/chemicals-listed-effective-august-11-2023-known-state-california-cause-cancer
  • 2. https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications/

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