The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has taken a significant step under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 by adding three chemicals—coal-tar pitch, fluoro-edenite fibrous amphibole, and silicon carbide whiskers—to the Proposition 65 list. This list, recognized by the State of California, identifies substances known to cause cancer.

New Proposition 65 Inclusions: Identifying Risk-Associated Chemicals

The recent additions of coal-tar pitch, fluoro-edenite fibrous amphibole, and silicon carbide whiskers to Proposition 65 highlight the ongoing efforts to continuously update and expand the list of known carcinogens. This regulatory measure aims to enhance awareness and transparency regarding the potential health risks associated with these specific chemicals.

Obligation for Businesses: Informing Users about Cancer Risk

Under the updated Proposition 65 list, businesses employing coal-tar pitch, fluoro-edenite fibrous amphibole, or silicon carbide whiskers must now take immediate action. The onus is on these businesses to communicate the cancer risk associated with their products to users. This obligation extends to ensuring that the warning is not only clear but prominently displayed on the product label or container.

Clear and Prominent Warnings: Upholding Prop 65 Compliance

To adhere to Proposition 65 compliance, businesses must implement clear and conspicuous warnings regarding the cancer risk posed by products containing the specified chemicals. This regulatory mandate underscores the importance of transparency and empowers consumers to make informed choices about the products they use, fostering a heightened sense of awareness regarding potential health implications.

Enhancing Consumer Awareness: Prop 65 Labels as a Preventive Measure

The addition of these chemicals to Proposition 65 serves as a preventive measure, enhancing consumer awareness about potential cancer risks associated with certain products. By mandating clear and prominent warnings, regulatory authorities aim to empower consumers and prompt businesses to adopt practices that prioritize public health and safety.

Reference: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list