What is a Proposition 65 warning label?

A proposition 65 warning label indicates the presence of chemicals known by the state of California to cause cancer, birth defect or other reproductive harm, according to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The list of chemicals is updated annually, and businesses have 12 months to post notices.

Businesses are required to provide warning before exposing anyone to chemicals found on the list, as stated by the OEHHA. Warning can be given by adding consumer product labels, posting workplace signage, distributing notices at a housing complex or publishing notices in a newspaper. Warning is only required in cases where the exposure level is considered a significant risk.