About Proposition 65

What is Prop 65?

Proposition 65, or the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, protects California’s drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

The state is responsible for maintaining and periodically updating the list of chemicals subject to the law’s requirements.

Businesses are required to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.

For more information and the complete list of chemicals under proposition 65 please visit: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65

(OEHHA 2025)

How does EHA enforce Prop 65?

Environmental Health Advocates purchases and tests products that we believe may expose California consumers to harmful chemicals. We then submit these products to an accredited laboratory for analysis. If the lab results confirm the presence of the chemicals, we work with a law firm to initiate litigation and bring the non-compliant product into compliance with the law.

This process may require the company to provide appropriate warnings, reformulate its product, or take both actions.

Ultimately, EHA strives to make California a safer place for consumers and to hold companies accountable when they violate the law.

FAQs

  • Proposition 65 protects consumers by requiring clear warnings when products contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These warnings give people the information they need to make informed choices about the products they buy and use. The law also motivates companies to reformulate products and reduce harmful chemicals, leading to safer consumer goods overall. In addition, Prop 65 helps prevent pollution by prohibiting businesses from discharging listed chemicals into California’s drinking water sources. Together, these safeguards help keep consumers and the environment safer.

  • Private entities enforce Proposition 65 because the law was designed to include citizen enforcement. State agencies cannot monitor every potential violation, so nonprofits and individuals help fill the gap by identifying unsafe products and taking action. This strengthens compliance, reduces harmful chemicals in consumer goods, and helps ensure Californians are protected from toxic exposures.

  • You can avoid Prop 65 chemicals by checking for warnings, using third-party certifications, avoiding known high-risk ingredients, and prioritizing materials and products that naturally contain fewer harmful chemicals.