California Proposes Amendments to Prop 65 Labeling

A major overhaul of the labeling requirements applicable to California's Proposition 65 is open for public comment until April 8.  The proposal from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment would require the required warning about cancer-causing chemicals would have to be provided to consumers prior to purchase (e.g., on product hang tags or cartons) and would have to be provided in multiple languages if a label or sign also uses different languages.  The proposal also lists 12 common chemicals (including formaldehyde, which is widely used in composite wood materials) that a warning would have to identify by name if exposure to that chemical is reasonably calculated to occur.  Prop 65 is not enforced by government agencies, but rather by private law suits which target those manufacturers and retailers who sell products without the proper labeling. Further information on the proposed rules can be found at http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/CRNR_notices/WarningWeb/Notice2Jan2015.html

For information on the public hearing proceedings or to submit comments, please click HERE.