Proposition 65
California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act
Helping Californians make informed decisions about exposure to certain chemicals.
What is Proposition 65?
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These chemicals may be present in products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposure to these chemicals.
Proposition 65 also prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water.
Key facts
| 01 | California is required to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The list is updated at least once a year. |
| 02 | The list has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987. |
| 03 | Proposition 65 became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63–37 percent margin. |
| 04 | The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. |
Learn More
Official Proposition 65 information
For complete details about Proposition 65, including the full chemical list and warning requirements, visit the official State of California website.