Proposition 65 can be seen everywhere, from hotels to restaurants in California. This California health warning is for the public, and here is what you need to know.
We have all seen this sign that is present everywhere from Disneyland, restaurants, and many hotels. I did a little bit of research to find more about the Proposition 65 list. The next time you see this sign, know that California is required to report on chemicals that pose to cause developmental harm and cancer. Yes, cancer.
So how are chemicals placed on this list, and why aren't products containing these elements banned? What is quite alarming is perhaps those of us suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities aren't having an abnormal physiological reaction after all. It doesn't take a genius to think those with sensitive immune systems would react to such harmful chemicals. The purpose of this list is for your own health and safety.
Who created the Proposition 65 List?
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessmen (OEHHA) is the state agency for assessing health risks from environmental contaminants. Formerly known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, this was to protect the state’s drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
The list requires all businesses to inform residents of California about exposure to chemicals that cause harm. It does not include toxic mold because the list only contains chemicals. This list can be reviewed and downloaded on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) website.
How are Chemicals Placed on this California Health List?
There are four ways that chemicals are put on the Proposition 65 list. At the least, the substances that are listed on the Labor Code given by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as causing cancer to humans or laboratory animals are included on this list. State Qualified Experts (SQE), United States Environmental Protection Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and many more contribute to chemicals that cause harm to humans. Details can be described here.
From Birth Control Pills to Formaldehyde the List Contains Common Products
The Proposition 65 list contains chemicals that have posed as cancerous or developmentally harmful have been proven since the 1980s. Perhaps this is one factor why products are reverting back to organics and free from chemicals.
Utilize this List as Knowledge
Having sensitivities to products that contain formaldehyde, especially detergents and baths soaps, seeing this list made me feel at ease knowing why this chemical wreaks havoc on my skin and lungs. Those of us with immune system dysfunction, having this list allows us to avoid certain products and be mindful when traveling.
Reading this list allows you to make a choice and to be aware of your exposure. Being notified of such dangers is a great tool for knowing what we are exposed to. Nearly everything from our purses, to every place, exposes us to these chemicals, so avoidance may be impossible. However, it is knowing and being aware of limiting our exposure, such as using an alternative detergent free of cancerous chemicals.
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