Proposition 65

Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The proposition protects the state's drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.

Proposition 65 requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Questions?

Questions about Proposition 65? Check our Frequently asked Questions page or visit our Proposition 65 Warnings website

Proposition 65 Resources

About Proposition 65

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act

The Proposition 65 List

The current Proposition 65 list is dated January 03, 2025

Meetings, Hearings and Workshops

Upcoming and past meetings, hearings and workshops

Notices

All Proposition 65 Notices

Laws and Regulations

Links and downloads related to Proposition 65 statute and regulations

Warnings

Visit this website to learn about warnings for exposures to chemicals on the Proposition 65 List

How chemicals are added to the Proposition 65 list

Learn how chemicals are added to the list

Safe Use Determinations

A Safe Use Determination (SUD) is a written statement issued by OEHHA, interpreting and applying Proposition 65 regulations to specific facts in response to a request by a business or trade group

Interpretive Guidelines for Proposition 65

An Interpretive Guideline interprets Proposition 65 regulations as applied to specific facts

Information Letters

Letters about Proposition 65's application from OEHHA to interested parties

Warning Regulations

Clear and reasonable warnings

Searchable Proposition 65 Chemical Database

Search the Proposition 65 Chemical Database

Safe harbor levels

Proposition 65 No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) and Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADLs)

Reports, Notices, Documents

Request for information on chemicals to be considered by the OEHHA Science Advisory Board’s Carcinogen Identification Committee: p-Chloronitrobenzene, Estragole, Trichloroacetic acid, bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)esther, 2-aminofluroene, and 4-amino-2-nitrophenol.

June 11, 1998 Workshop on the Authoritative Bodies mechanism for listing chemicals under Proposition 65.

Request for information on benzo(a)pyrene, technical grade DDT and zearalenone: Chemicals to be considered by OEHHA's Developmental and Reproductive Toxicant (DART) Identification Committee

Announcement: Carbamazepine will not be considered by OEHHA's DART Identification Committee.

Extension of public comment period.  Chemicals under consideration for possible listing via the authoritative bodies mechanisms: 15 Chemicals.

Chemicals listed effective May 15, 1998 as known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity via the Authoritative Bodies or the "Formally Required" mechanisms: 27 Chemicals.