Prop 65, also known as Proposition 65, is a California law that requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Many furniture products contain chemicals that require a Prop 65 warning.
What is Prop 65?
Prop 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law passed in 1986 to promote clean drinking water and keep toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects out of consumer products. Under Prop 65, the state is required to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. This list contains over 900 chemicals and is updated annually.
Businesses are required to provide a “clear and reasonable” warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning can appear on a product label or sign, or be distributed through other means. The goal is to give Californians the information they need to make informed decisions about protecting themselves from these chemicals.
Why do many furniture items require a Prop 65 warning?
Many furniture products contain chemicals that are on California’s Prop 65 list. Some common examples include:
- Formaldehyde – Used in making composite wood products and as an adhesive in pressed wood furniture.
- Lead – Can be found in paints and surface coatings.
- DEHP – A plasticizer used to make PU leather flexible.
- Flame retardants – Used to meet flammability standards.
The levels of these chemicals may not be high enough to exceed federal or other state safety standards. However, Prop 65 is intended to provide information even based on low exposure levels. That’s why you’ll see the warnings even on furniture made by top brands and sold nationwide.
Do Prop 65 warnings mean furniture is unsafe?
The short answer is no – Prop 65 warnings don’t necessarily mean a product is dangerous or hazardous to your health. The warnings simply indicate that exposure to a listed chemical may occur under normal use of the product.
Prop 65 warnings are based on exposure only. They do not indicate anything about risk levels or whether exposure could actually cause cancer or other health issues. The warnings are not based on product testing or safety standards. A Prop 65 warning does not mean the product violates any product safety standard or requirement.
Things to keep in mind about Prop 65 warnings on furniture:
- They inform you of potential exposure to chemicals on the Prop 65 list, even at low levels.
- They do not indicate a safety or health hazard.
- They do not mean a product violates any safety regulations.
- The warnings are based on the possibility, not probability, of exposure to a listed chemical at any level.
So seeing a Prop 65 warning on furniture you’re considering does not necessarily mean there is a health risk. It is simply alerting you that exposure to certain chemicals may occur during use of the product, as required by California state law. The warning alone should not deter you from purchasing well-made furniture you like from a reputable retailer.
How is furniture exposure to chemicals regulated?
While Prop 65 warnings are based on exposure alone, federal and national furniture industry standards take a more comprehensive approach. Here are some examples:
Formaldehyde emissions standards
Exposure to formaldehyde gas released from pressed wood products is regulated by standards set by:
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- U.S. Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act
These standards limit formaldehyde emissions from composite wood furniture to safe levels verified through product testing and certification.
Lead in surface coatings
Federal law sets limits on the lead content allowed in paints and surface coatings through the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Furniture manufacturers must ensure painted and coated furniture complies with these lead limits.
Flame retardants
Flame retardants are added to meet flammability standards like Technical Bulletin 117 issued by the state of California. Their use is regulated and new regulations limit the types of chemicals that can be used to meet these standards.
Overall product safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) protects consumers from hazardous products. Furniture manufacturers must ensure their products comply with all applicable CPSC regulations.
So while Prop 65 warnings may be alarming, you can have confidence that furniture products are meeting safety standards set at both state and federal levels. Products with a warning have simply not eliminated the possibility of exposure to chemicals on the Prop 65 list.
Should I avoid buying furniture with a Prop 65 warning?
Prop 65 warnings are so commonplace that it would be very difficult to avoid buying any furniture with a warning label on it. Since the warnings are based on the possibility, not the probability or actual risk of exposure to a chemical, they should not be a deal breaker.
The warnings do not mean the furniture is actually dangerous or fails to meet other safety standards. High quality furniture from reputable brands and retailers will comply with all applicable local and federal regulations.
Here are some tips on buying furniture that meets safety standards:
- Purchase furniture made from solid wood, metal, or non-toxic alternatives when possible.
- Look for low-VOC or water based finishes.
- Choose furniture with OEKO-TEX or Greenguard certification.
- Select furniture from manufacturers that use sustainable materials and processes.
- Check for other certifications from organizations like the SCS, EO, or FSC.
Doing some extra research can help you find options without harmful chemicals, but a Prop 65 warning alone is not a reason to completely rule out a furniture purchase. As long as quality and safety regulations are met, the warning simply provides an extra heads up about chemical exposures.
The bottom line
While Prop 65 warnings seem alarming, they do not necessarily indicate a safety hazard or violation of any product standards. The warnings are based solely on exposure, not on actual risk, probability or dangerous levels. With some diligent research, you can find quality furniture you like that meets all applicable safety regulations. Prop 65 warnings should inform you, not scare you away completely. Look beyond the label for safer options that fit your needs.