What is Proposition 65 Warning on Some Products?

In November 1986, California voters approved a ballot initiative to address concerns about exposures to toxic chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known by its original name, Proposition 65 or simply, Prop 65.

New regulations affecting Proposition 65 were adopted in August 2016 and will take full effect in August 2018. Changes to the law impose additional requirements for products sold in California, including:

• Point of sale warning requirements
• The specific identification in the warning language of at least one chemical known to cause cancer and/or birth defects that are used in a given product

Please note that any modifications made to Watts and its brands’ product labels and packaging do not reflect any changes to our products. We will continue to provide high-quality solutions used to safely convey, conserve, and manage water.

What does Proposition 65 require?

First, it requires the State of California to publish a list of chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or released into the environment. It also requires the state to maintain and update the list at least annually. As of July 7, 2017, more than 900 chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, have been listed.

Second, it requires businesses to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning can be given in several ways, such as by labeling a consumer product, posting signs at the workplace, publishing notices at a rental housing complex, or publishing notices in a newspaper.

What does a Proposition 65 warning mean?

A warning means that the business issuing it is complying with Proposition 65’s requirement to identify the presence of one or more listed chemicals, even in trace amounts.

CALIFORNIA PROP 65: WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WARNING: Cables, Cable Assemblies, and Printed Circuit Boards can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WARNING: Lithium-ion Batteries and/or products that contain Lithium-ion Batteries can expose you to chemicals including cobalt lithium nickel oxide, and nickel, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WARNING: Electrical cords, cables, product cords, wire assemblies, and carrying cases made with PVC can expose you to chemicals including DEHP, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WARNING: Plastic cases and product plastic housings made from polycarbonate or other plastics can expose you to chemicals including bisphenol A, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

How can I get more information?

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, OEHHA, maintains a comprehensive website at https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65, which explains the law and offers a list of all the chemicals and materials.