California Proposition 65 Context
The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, commonly known as California Proposition 65, was enacted in 1986. It is a Californian law that affects any type of product sold in the state of California.
Proposition 65 requires the State of California to publish a list of chemicals, known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, annually. In addition, companies doing business in California need to provide warnings when they knowingly cause significant exposure of any of the listed chemicals at least once a year.
Under the administration of Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), there are currently over 900 chemicals listed under Proposition 65.
As of August 2018, the OEHHA instated new regulations, strengthening Proposition 65 by adding many new warning requirements.
While this label can be helpful for consumer knowledge, it can also be misleading. When a manufacturer includes a Proposition 65 warning notice, it does not necessarily mean that the product poses a significant threat. Proposition 65 is considered a ‘right to know’ law. The notice is intended to inform California residents of the presence of a listed chemical, so that the consumer can make an informed decision when purchasing and using a product.
To learn more about California Proposition 65, go to oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65
Powersmiths hazardous substances limitation policy
As part of our corporate social responsibility, Powersmiths is resolutely oriented towards the development of innovating solutions respectful of both the health of all consumers as well as the environment. Powersmiths is committed to providing safe products that comply with substance regulations and standards, such as European regulations REACH, ROHS and the California Act Proposition 65, by limiting the use of listed substances in product design.
Powersmiths also monitors the possible presence of substances that are in the process of being regulated that are in our products in order to anticipate future restrictions on use and thereby guarantee the durability and safety of the Powersmiths product offer.
How does California Proposition 65 affect Powersmiths?
In general, Powersmiths products do not contain chemicals intended to be released under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. Thus, if present, in normal use conditions, chemicals are not intended to be exposed to users, nor to be released or discharged at any time.
However, Powersmiths is continuously working with our supply chain specialists to collect suppliers’ material declarations, including the disclosure of chemical substances. If, after reviewing the suppliers’ declarations, Powersmiths identifies that Proposition 65 chemicals may be present and that an exposure may exist, Powersmiths will provide clear and reasonable warnings.
As the California Proposition list is yearly updated with the addition of new chemicals, Powersmiths will keep a constant monitoring and update its product status to comply with Proposition 65.
How can customers check if a vproduct is concerned by a Proposition 65 warning?
In specific cases where Proposition 65 warnings apply, depending on the product, these warnings can be obtained in a few different locations. Easily find the label on one of the following: the product, packaging label, the product’s manual, or under the online resource library. For more information, you can always contact your Powersmiths representative.
What must distributors of Powersmiths do?
Powersmiths distributors must communicate the warnings defined by Socomec to their customers before selling them the products concerned.