Ken Forging & Prop 65

Prop 65What is Prop 65?

In November 1986, California voters approved a ballot initiative to address concerns about exposures to certain chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, better known and commonly referred to as Proposition or Prop 65.

Proposition 65 requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals and materials that are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. There are hundreds of chemicals and materials, including many metals and plastics, that have been included in this list. It also requires manufacturers whose products contain one or more of these materials to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning before exposing anyone to a listed material. Labeling a product is one way in which this warning can be given.

When a manufacturer utilizes the warning label, it means that one or more listed chemicals is present in its product, even if it is only present in trace quantities. Ken Forging, Inc. products use common materials such as Carbon & Alloy Steels, Stainless Steel as well as others that contain one or more chemicals on the California Prop 65 list. While it is exposure to these chemicals that the California law is intended to address, Ken Forging, Inc. has chosen to label products that contain these chemicals even if there is little to no risk of any exposure.

It is important to understand that even though a product may contain a Proposition 65 listed chemical, it does not mean that the use of the product will cause any adverse health impacts, nor does it mean that the product is unsafe in any way or manner. Ken Forging, Inc. is confident that there is no health hazard associated with the installation and use of any of these Ken Forging, Inc. products.

 

Example of Prop 65 Label

The following is an example of the language that Ken Forging, Inc. will use and that appears on many of our products and/or packaging:

Prop-65 WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Chromium (hexavalent compounds), Cadmium, Lead, Nickel which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Cadmium, Lead which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

(California law requires this warning to be given to customers in the State of California.)

Because Ken Forging, Inc. products are sold worldwide, including throughout North America, in order to ensure compliance with Proposition 65 requirements, it was decided to include these labels on applicable products regardless of where they are purchased or sold, so you may see this warning on products or packaging even outside of the State of California.

If you have any additional questions regarding Proposition 65, the State of California provides Proposition 65 information. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) administers the Proposition 65 program and maintains a website at www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. The site provides information on the law, commonly asked questions, a list of all of the chemicals, and staff available for any inquiries. Ken Forging, Inc. recommends visiting this site in order to familiarize yourself with the requirements of Proposition 65.