California Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was created to protect California’s drinking water from contamination. California publishes a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, which is updated once a year. There are around 800 different chemicals currently, you can see a complete list on OEHHA, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals in the products they purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By providing this information, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about protecting themselves from exposure to these chemicals.
Why Do Glasses Have a Prop 65 Warning?
Glasses and sunglasses may display the Prop 65 warning because of the Bisphenol-A (BpA) found in polycarbonate lenses. Bisphenol-A (BpA) is a starting material in the manufacture of polycarbonate, so there are trace amounts of BpA found in those lenses. Common consumer goods, such as water bottles and the coatings on the inside of many food and beverages are made with BpA. According to www.factsaboutbpa.org/, studies have consistently shown that the potential migration of BpA into food is extremely low, generally less than 5 parts per billion. Also consider that you will not be biting, drinking from, or otherwise ingesting your glasses lenses. In May, 2015, the state of California relisted (BpA) on the Prop 65 chemicals list.
Can sunglasses cause cancer?
The BpA found in polycarbonate lenses is in trace amounts. The use of polycarbonate for food contact applications continues to be recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities worldwide. And you won't be eating your sunglasses.
Also see: Reading Glasses | How to Measure Pupillary Distance or PD | What Are Progressive Lenses? | Understanding Your Prescription | Need to Order Lenses Only?
FAQs
Can sunglasses cause cancer? The BpA found in polycarbonate lenses is in trace amounts. The use of polycarbonate for food contact applications continues to be recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory authorities worldwide. And you won't be eating your sunglasses.
What is the p65 warning on picture frames? ›
The Prop 65 warning label, which indicates a product could contain chemicals that cause cancer, reproductive harm or birth defects, can be found on common household items like furniture.
Is Prop 65 warning serious? ›
Since the original warning requirements took effect in 1988, most Proposition 65 warnings simply state that a chemical is present that causes cancer or reproductive harm, but they do not identify the chemical or provide specific information about how a person may be exposed or ways to reduce or eliminate exposure to it ...
Is polycarbonate Prop 65 compliant? ›
Bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) has been on the Prop 65 list of chemicals since May 2015, as a chemical known to cause female reproductive toxicity. It is an essential chemical for polycarbonate plastics and BPA residues may be present in these plastics due to incomplete polymerization.
How do I know if my sunglasses are safe? ›
Most sunglasses today have UV protection embedded in the lens rather than coated over it, and most reputable brands list UV protection on their label. Look for a label that says either of these two things: 100% protection against both UVA and UVB. 100% protection against UV 400.
What is the harm code for sunglasses? ›
Is Prop 65 only in California? ›
What is California Prop 65? California Proposition 65 is a law that is unique to the State of California.
Do all products have Prop 65 warning? ›
Every business with 10 or more employees that operates in the state of California needs to comply with Prop 65. Products that are purchased by Californians must have a clear and responsible warning label if they contain any of the chemicals on the list in amounts that exceed the “safe harbor" level.
Does all stainless steel have Prop 65 warning? ›
Stainless and other specialty steels do not present a risk to human health from exposure to chemicals listed under California's “Proposition 65.” While the determination of whether to provide a Prop 65 warning is product-specific and the responsibility of each individual company, the available data show that there is ...
Why does the iPhone have a Prop 65 warning? ›
the warning is to make consumers aware of the possibility that the product may contain a substance that has been identified to cause cancer or reproductive harm in some animals and/or humans.
It's possible that the product isn't sold in California – the only state that requires this warning label. And some companies only put the labels on products that will be sold in California, so you won't see them unless you buy the product there.
Is it safe to wear clothing with Prop 65 warning? ›
In most cases, using a product displaying a Prop 65 warning won't cause harm. Even low levels of potentially harmful chemicals must be tagged, which mitigates the risk of exposure. Still, repeated use of dangerous products could impact pregnant women or those undergoing cancer treatment.
Does BPA leach from polycarbonate? ›
Small amounts of BPA may remain in polycarbonate products and epoxy linings after curing, and be released into food and beverages. Canned foods and liquids stored or heated in polycarbonate containers and epoxy-lined cans appear to be the main source of exposure to BPA.
Does polycarbonate leach chemicals? ›
Bisphenol A (BPA) can leach out from polycarbonate baby bottles, sippy cups, and infant formula packaging into baby food. Other toxic materials such as bisphenol F, bisphenol S, or phthalate can also leach out from BPA-free plasticware.
What plastics are Prop 65? ›
Proposition 65
| Prop 65 Chemicals | May Cause Birth Defects | SDS Source |
|---|
| Polycarbonate Sheet – Glazing | Bisphenol A | Plaskolite |
| Polycarbonate – Clear | Bisphenol A | Plaskolite |
| Polycarbonate – Black | Bisphenol A | Plaskolite |
| Polyethylene | None | Polymer |
43 more rowsSimply put, the warning means that the manufacturer believes the product might contain any of the 800-plus chemicals that the State of California considers harmful. It does not mean that the labeled products themselves are necessarily harmful or are in violation of any safety standard.
Do sunglasses need FDA approval? ›
In the United States, nonprescription sunglasses are regulated as medical devices by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is the Prop 65 warning on light fixtures? ›
The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. For LED Products: WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
