Proposition 65

What is Proposition 65 and what does it require?

In 1986 California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, which is commonly referred to as Proposition 65. Proposition 65 is a California right-to-know law that requires businesses to notify individuals of exposure to over 900 naturally occurring and synthetic elements and chemicals that have been linked with some potentiality to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Proposition 65 warnings can be widely found in public spaces, private businesses or on certain products sold in California.

What is the purpose of Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 is intended to allow individuals to make informed decisions about their exposure to elements and chemicals. Proposition 65 is not a food safety law and does not ban the sale of any products.

Should I be concerned about products labeled with a Proposition 65 warning?

No, not necessarily. A Proposition 65 warning does not automatically mean a product is dangerous, and when a product is used according to its intended purpose, chemical exposure is usually minimal.
 
It is important to remember that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration provide nationwide guidelines to protect against harmful chemicals and no state, other than California, has placed similar restrictions or requirements on products. Yet, California’s Proposition 65 guidelines are much more stringent than many of the correlated EPA and the FDA guidelines and every other state in the United States for chemical exposure. In some cases, Proposition 65 limits are 1000 times lower than what the FDA and EPA have set as acceptable standards. In other words, Proposition 65 limits are sometimes 1000 times lower than the level of chemical exposure that the FDA and EPA have determined to show no observable effect on humans or animals.
 
For instance, Proposition 65 requires businesses to place a warning label on items containing 0.5 mcg or more of lead while the EPA’s limit for lead in drinking water is 15 mcg/L and the FDA’s limit for daily lead exposure is 12.5 mcg/day. Even certain organic fruits and vegetables grown in soil—such as brussels sprout, lettuce, and spinach—may contain Proposition 65 daily limits of lead in a single serving because lead is naturally occurring in the soil. 
 
As a result of Proposition 65’s stringent standards, warning labels are found on all types of products including, for example:

• Furniture
• Household appliances
• Holiday lights
• Jewelry
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nuts
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Dietary supplements

 

How does SWW ensure my safety?

SWW products are safe for consumption. SWW engages in robust research practices to ensure the safety and efficacy of each SWW product and many of SWW’s products bear certifications demonstrating independent laboratory testing to ensure that the products meet the stringent requirements for the certifications they bear, such as being certified organic. We are committed to bringing you the highest-quality food options, products and information that meet strict guidelines. We are also committed to compliance with national and state-level regulations, which is why we maintain strict adherence to Proposition 65 requirements.

Which SWW products can I expect to see a Proposition 65 warning on?

In compliance with Proposition 65, you may find a warning statement for these SWW products:

SWW Alkalize
SWW Restore

Where can I get more information about Proposition 65?

You can learn more about Proposition 65 and the extensive list of chemicals that require a warning label in California here: About Proposition 65 - OEHHA