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

About Proposition 65

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act

The Proposition 65 List

The current Proposition 65 list is dated December 29, 2023

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, which interprets and applies Proposition 65 and its implementing regulations to a specific set of facts in response to a request by a business or a trade group

Interpretive Guidelines for Proposition 65

An Interpretive Guideline interprets Proposition 65 and its implementing 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

Oct 1, 1989: Final Statement of Reasons - Methods of Detection
This final statement of reasons sets forth the reasons for the final language adopted by the Agency for section 12901, and responds to the objections and recommendations submitted regarding the regulation as originally proposed at the July, 1988 hearing, and as modified by the October, 1988 emergency adoption. 
Jun 1, 1989: Final Statement of Reasons - Extent of Exposure
This final statement of reasons sets forth the reasons for the final language adopted by the Agency for the regulations in Article 5, and responds to the objections and recommendations submitted regarding those regulations as originally proposed and modified.
Jun 1, 1989: Final Statement of Reasons - No Significant Risk Levels and No Observable Effect Levels
The purpose of these regulations is to provide some "safe harbor" levels and methodologies, and criteria for exposure assessment, which will assist persons in making certain that their discharges, releases or exposures pose no significant risk or would have no observable effect within the meaning of the Act. Article 7, commencing at section 12701, addresses the determination of whether exposures to carcinogens listed under the Act pose no significant risk within the meaning of the Act. Article 8, commencing at section 12801, addresses the determination of whether exposure to listed reproductive toxins would produce no observable effect within the meaning of the Act. 
Nov 4, 1988: Final Statement of Reasons - Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, Section 12201, Definitions
This final statement of reasons sets forth the reasons for the final language adopted by the Agency for section 12201 (a) and (b) , and responds to the objections and recommendations submitted regarding those provisions. Under the amended definition of "in the course of doing business", the term would include any business activity without regard to whether it is conducted for profit.
Nov 1, 1988: Final Statement of Reasons - Clear and Reasonable Warning
This revised final statement of reasons sets forth the reasons for the final language adopted by the Agency for section 12601, and responds to the objections and recommendations submitted regarding that section as originally proposed and modified. 

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