"Proposition 65"
In the State of California there exists what is referred to as "Proposition 65". Proposition 65 is the California Safe Drinking
Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Any company that operates in California, sells products in California, or
manufactures products that may be sold in or brought into California is subject to Proposition 65. Since our products
are sold in California, Proposition 65 applies to us.
Proposition 65 requires warning labels on any product that may contain any of 600-plus elements that the California Air
Resources Board considers a carcinogen or a reproductive toxicant. These elements include lead (contained in the solder
used to attach electronic parts to the printed circuit boards), brass, PVC and a multitude of other everyday elements.
Many of the elements listed under Proposition 65 are common everyday items. Many, such as lead, are commonly used in the electronics industry. Other elements are uncommon items and are rarely used in the electronics industry, if used at
all. The list of elements keeps changing and is periodically updated. Elements are added to the list, some elements are
removed. It is excessively difficult to keep track of the changing list of elements.
There are penalties for not complying with Proposition 65. Failure to label products may result in a civil penalty of $2500
per day. If a company's product is sold or is purchased outside the Sate of California and brought into California, the
company may still be found in violation.
Various trade organizations have issued notices to manufacturers warning of Proposition 65 and its implications. Included
in the warnings were suggested methods of protection from Proposition 65 litigation and violations. Protection requires
warning consumers about the possibility of dangers from products. A warning label as the one we use is considered to
comply with warning consumers.
The label does not necessarily indicate our products will cause you to contract cancer or reproductive harm if used as
designed.
For more information about Proposition 65 visit the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and for a list of
elements listed under Proposition 65 visit:
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/Newlist.html |