California's Proposition 65

You may have noticed a label on some products warning of cancer and reproductive harm. This messaging is printed on the packaging of certain items in accordance with Proposition 65, a law in the state of California.

While you may see this warning on some products sold by Focus and Lifestyle by Focus, we firmly believe all the products we stock are safe to use.  We’ve provided more information about Proposition 65 below for your reference.

What is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65, or Prop 65, is formally titled The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The law mandates that a warning label should be printed on a product’s packaging if it contains any chemicals deemed by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. 

The State publishes a list of chemicals that it has found to be harmful to humans, and a label is required if the product contains any of the hundreds of chemicals from that list. The regulation, passed by California voters, is intended to guide California consumers in protecting themselves from unwanted exposure to these chemicals. 

Should I be worried?

There is no need to be alarmed when you see a Prop 65 label for several reasons:

  • Products with the warning include many everyday household items, including some electronics, kitchenware, and tools. For example, lithium-ion batteries and portable charging devices.

  • Chemicals that appear on the State of California’s list may only pose harm in large quantities, not the amount contained in the product. The State requires the label even when only small amounts of a chemical are present.

  • The State of California does not provide comprehensive guidance regarding all the situations a Prop 65 label is required. Out of extreme caution, and to be sure to comply with the regulation, we use a label whenever we think it might be required. 

  • We do not sell products that we believe present excessive risk or harm. We include the label because we want our customers to be fully informed before deciding to purchase.

How can I learn more?

You can learn more about the law by visiting California's official Proposition 65 website.

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