California Proposition 65
Why are we required to give you this warning?
Proposition 65 mandates that businesses provide warnings to Californians about exposure to chemicals that may cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These harmful chemicals can be present in products, homes, workplaces, or released into the environment.
Additionally, Proposition 65 forbids California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of these listed chemicals into drinking water sources.
What is California Proposition 65?
Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was passed as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The law aims to protect California's drinking water from contamination by chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. It also requires businesses to inform Californians about potential exposures to such chemicals. The state is responsible for maintaining and updating a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. This list, which must be updated at least annually, has grown to include approximately 900 chemicals since its first publication in 1987.
What chemicals on the Proposition 65 list are commonly found in wood cabinets?
Formaldehyde gas, listed as a carcinogen under Proposition 65, is found in small amounts in all wood products. It is also used in making resins and adhesives for composite wood products such as plywood, particleboard, and MDF, which are used to manufacture cabinets. Small amounts of residual formaldehyde can also be found in some paints, lacquers, and other coatings used on cabinets. While most formaldehyde is off-gassed during the manufacturing process, trace amounts may still be present.
Wood dust, listed as a potentially harmful material under Proposition 65, can be present in our vanities. As a result, we are required to include Proposition 65 warnings on all our products. California law mandates specific warning language: "This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm." Failure to provide these warnings can result in significant fines.
Although the warning label is only mandatory for items sold in California, we label all our products with the Proposition 65 warning due to the potential for our products to be shipped to California.