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 law 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 the list of chemicals subject to the law’s requirements.

Questions about Proposition 65?  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

OEHHA is considering adopting a regulation that would establish background levels for certain ubiquitous chemicals, such as lead and arsenic that are naturally present in unprocessed foods.

This notice marks the beginning of a 45-day public comment period on these materials. OEHHA must receive comments and any supporting documentation by 5:00 p.m.

Workshop on October 19, 2015 to discuss existing regulation to clarify that the reasonably anticipated rate of intake or exposure to a listed chemical must be calculated as the arithmetic mean of daily intake or exposure for product users.

OEHHA is considering the possible addition of Section 25501.1, that would establish background levels for certain ubiquitous chemicals, such as lead and arsenic that are naturally present in unprocessed foods. 

Announcement of a public workshop. Possible amendments concerning the calculation of the concentration of listed chemicals in foods.