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?
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.
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
The statute defines four ways for a chemical to be added to the Proposition 65 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
New Warning Regulations
Notice of Adoption Article 6: 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)
