Proposition 65: Not Everything in California Causes Cancer

The Proposition 65 warning is now a nearly ubiquitous consumer warning tag is found on items around the world. California’s regulators passed Prop 65 to inform consumers about products that contain potentially harmful chemicals. From clothing to asparagus, the California cancer warning has helped protect families and raise awareness of carcinogenic materials in consumer goods.

What Is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65, or the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted to protect drinking water sources from toxic chemicals. The final version of the bill also informs citizens about any source of exposure to potentially harmful or carcinogenic chemicals. The act was passed by ballot, with 63% of California residents supporting the measure. Today, California’s list of chemicals includes over 900 substances known to cause cancer or impact reproductive health. 

Why You See Prop 65 Warnings On All Sorts of Products

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act specifically requires businesses to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning on any product that includes a listed chemical on its label. They must also include a Prop 65 warning in workplaces that handle chemicals on the list. In many cases, the product may only include trace amounts of the named chemical, and most products are generally recognized as safe for use. 

Read More: Why Psyllium Husk Products Have a Cancer Warning

Types of Chemicals Included in Proposition 65

Chemicals are reviewed and added to the Proposition 65 list based on clearly defined criteria. The list now includes a range of organic, naturally occurring, and synthetic chemicals used in everything from pesticides to snack foods. The most commonly known chemicals on the Prop 65 list include;

• Lead

• Acrylamide

• Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Phthalates

• Formaldehyde

Less common but well-known chemicals in consumer products may also include arsenic, benzene, and mercury. 

Foods with Prop 65 Warnings

There are dozens of food products with Prop 65 warnings on the label, which often shocks consumers; if it’s a dangerous food, why is it on the market? These foods carry a Prop 65 warning because they tend to have naturally high levels of toxic chemicals or are exposed to them during processing. 

• Absorption: Some fruits and vegetables are more likely to absorb chemicals from the soil. Rice is known to contain higher levels of arsenic, and tomatoes, tubers, and other root vegetables may contain higher concentrations of chemicals such as formaldehyde. Similarly, fish and seafood products tend to have high levels of mercury and cadmium due to bioaccumulation; this is why many healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women avoid eating fish. 

• Processing or cooking: Fried and baked foods cooked at high temperatures are at higher risk of forming chemicals like acrylamide, including French fries and potato chips. Manufactured products like plant-based protein powder and sauces have a higher risk of lead and arsenic due to their manufacturing process. 

Is It Okay to Use Products with a Proposition 65 Warning?

A Proposition 65 warning doesn’t always mean a product is unsafe, nor does it mean the product violates any state or federal safety standards. The label is about awareness; it informs users that the product contains at least trace amounts of a known carcinogen or toxic ingredient, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. 

How to Use Prop 65 Products Safely

If you have a higher risk of cancer, are pregnant, or simply want to lower your risk of chemical exposure, you can still use these products safely and in moderation. 

• Use foods with Prop 65 warnings sparingly.

• Let furniture, rugs, or other household goods air out before bringing them into your home. Offgassing can take a few hours or a few days; check your owner’s manual or ask the manufacturer for more details. 

• Look for an alternative. For nearly every product with a Prop 65 warning, you’ll be able to find a chemical-free or lower-risk alternative. Do a little research to see if there are competing and comparable products that don’t have the same warning. 

In most cases, using a product displaying a Prop 65 warning won’t cause harm. Even low levels of potentially harmful chemicals must be tagged to mitigate the risk of exposure. Still, repeated use of dangerous products could impact pregnant women or those undergoing cancer treatment. 

Prop 65 Is the Tip of the Iceberg

Chemicals in consumer products at the national level remain a serious threat to public health. In the decades since Proposition 65 passed, other issues like air pollution, VOCs, and PFAS have heightened awareness of environmental chemicals and contamination. While daily exposure to potentially harmful chemicals remains almost unavoidable, organizations like Less Cancer and others are committed to keeping families safe. Learn more about our mission, and consider donating to help us make prevention a priority!