What Is Proposition 65?

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.

Proposition 65 requires two things. First, it requires the Governor 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. Over 700 chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, have been listed as of March 10, 2000.

Second, it requires manufacturers to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning can be given by a variety of means, such as by labeling a consumer product, by posting signs at the workplace, or by publishing notices in a newspaper.

What Does a Proposition 65 Warning Mean?

A Proposition 65 warning means that the manufacturer or distributor issuing the warning believes that one or more listed chemicals is present in its product, even if it is only present in trace quantities.

The Lab Stockroom has chosen to provide Proposition 65 warnings on all of its products available in North America. We use warning language approved by the State of California.

What Kinds of Chemicals Are on the List?

The Proposition 65 list contains a wide range of chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, dyes, solvents, pesticides, drugs, food additives, and byproducts of certain processes. These chemicals may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Some of them are ingredients of common household products, while others are specialty chemicals used in common industrial applications.

Many of the materials used in laboratory products — including certain metals, plastics, and glass components — may contain trace amounts of listed chemicals. This is common across the lab supply industry and does not necessarily indicate a safety concern when products are used as intended.

Why Does The Lab Stockroom Label All Products?

Rather than testing and evaluating every individual SKU in our catalog of over 9,000 products, The Lab Stockroom has chosen to apply the Proposition 65 warning broadly to all products available in North America. This is a common and accepted approach among distributors who carry a wide range of materials, and it ensures that California customers always receive the required notice regardless of which products they purchase.

This approach does not mean that every product contains a harmful level of a listed chemical. It means we are providing the warning as a precaution, consistent with the requirements of the law.

Frequently Asked Questions