Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The law applies to a wide range of products and locations, including candles.
The Prop 65 candle warning in California is intended to inform consumers about the potential presence of chemicals that could pose a health risk. Candles often contain substances such as lead, benzene, formaldehyde, and certain phthalates, which are known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
When a candle manufacturer or retailer knows that a candle contains any of these listed chemicals above certain threshold levels, they must provide a warning label on the product or its packaging. The warning label typically reads:
"WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm."
The purpose of the warning is to ensure that consumers are informed about the potential risks associated with using or being exposed to these chemicals. It is important to note that the presence of the warning label does not necessarily mean that the product is unsafe or that it will cause harm when used as intended. It simply indicates that the product contains a chemical that has been identified by the state of California as potentially hazardous.
If you have concerns about the safety of candles or specific products, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use candles in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, you can reach out to the candle manufacturer or retailer for more information about the specific chemicals present in their products and any safety measures they have taken.