In California or elsewhere in the United States, you may have heard or seen the P65 warning. But what is a P65 warning, it may not be very clear. I only know that the label or sign that shows this warning looks scary. This is to let us know that we may be exposed to harmful substances.

P65 warns that they have been around since 1986, and even if you haven't noticed them before, once you learn about them in this article, you may start to see them more frequently.

History of Proposition 65
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, ordinary citizens were more aware than ever that people were often exposed to toxic substances. Pollution is at the highest level in history. Air pollution and water pollution are everywhere. Many groups are beginning to commit to change.

The Clean Air Act was passed in 1955, and the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972. However, there are still no laws and regulations that can directly affect people's health in many fields. Many consumer products, construction materials and general chemicals are not labeled with appropriate warning labels.

Across the country, people are beginning to worry about the negative effects of these chemicals on their health and well-being. Voters in California decided to do something to protect themselves and future generations.

Proposal 65 was born. This direct voter initiative was won in a vote in November 1986 and passed with 63% of the vote.

What is Proposition 65?
The full name of the law described in this proposal is the 1986 Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Substance Enforcement Law. However, because the name is too long, the simpler P65 warning name has persisted for more than 30 years, which is what people usually call it.

The goal of Proposition 65 is to protect drinking water sources from toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects. It also aims to reduce or eliminate exposure to chemicals that can cause these things to become ubiquitous by warning citizens of their existence.

Warning signs and labels
Warning signs required by the law are posted throughout California. They also appear in the form of labels. These signs and labels inform people of the actual location or the presence of toxic substances in the products for sale.

Because these signs and labels are so common, many people no longer even pay attention to them. However, they are very helpful for those who really want to learn about the toxicity nearby. People who wish to avoid substances that may cause cancer or reproductive harm can use these signs and labels as a guide to tell them to avoid them.

Only California requires these signs and labels. However, they can be seen on products nationwide because many products are distributed throughout the country. In addition, some companies outside of California choose to issue P65 warnings only out of courtesy to customers.

P65 Warning content
Part of the Proposition 65 law requires California to publish an annual list of chemicals that require warnings and public notifications. Today, the list includes more than 900 chemicals. Some chemicals on the list are rare; others are common.

In order for a chemical to appear on the list, it must be accepted as a carcinogen by an organization recognized as an authority in California. Some examples of authoritative organizations include the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Toxicology Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to name a few.

P65 warning label
Any business that sells products in California must clearly warn that their products may cause harm, unless the levels of chemicals contained are not high enough to cause a risk.

There is no stipulation on the language companies must use in warnings; the wording is up to them. However, most labels and signs warn consumers that the product contains dangerous chemicals and acknowledge that California knows that it may cause cancer.

The most recent labels and warnings also include a link to the state's P65 warning website for more information.

Learn more
Although companies must label products that contain toxic ingredients, they do not have to say the types of chemicals they contain or information about them. If California residents want more information, please contact the product manufacturer.

Most manufacturers are happy to meet these requirements. Interested consumers may ask about potentially harmful substances and how they are exposed to these substances. They may also ask about the specific negative effects of these substances. They can ask how to avoid contact with them while buying and using the product.

If the chemical information provided by the manufacturer is not sufficient, consumers can learn more online. The state’s website has fact sheets about many common toxic chemicals.

Law enforcement
Since Proposition 65 has been in effect since the 1980s, most companies today will follow it without hesitation. However, if the company fails to comply and gets caught, they may be prosecuted for non-compliance.

The California Attorney General’s Office is responsible for enforcing this law. But any local attorney or city attorney in the state can also enforce it. These offices, as well as consumer rights protection groups, private citizens and law firms, have filed lawsuits against non-compliant companies.

If the product does contain harmful chemicals, it is difficult for these companies to win, so most people find that it is much easier to comply with the regulations in the first place.

P65 warning to protect Americans
The P65 warning has been very successful and useful since it started more than 30 years ago. They help the people of California stay away from toxic chemicals, and they will continue to do so in the future.

Proposition 65 is an example of the law the people want. Today, it is actually working for those people and may have saved countless lives in the process.

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