CA Resident Warning
Plymold labels our products in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65. The intended purpose of the Proposition is to inform California’s citizens of the potential exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm, and to protect state drinking water sources from such chemicals.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify Californians of potential exposure to chemicals in products they purchase or exposure to chemicals that are released into the environment. Any company that operates or sells products in California or manufactures or distributes products that may be sold in California is subject to this regulation.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is required to annually publish a list of chemicals that they have determined to be a carcinogen or reproductive toxicant. Of over 800 chemicals or ingredients currently on the list, many are naturally occurring and/or synthetic chemicals, including additives or ingredients in common household products, foods, drugs, dyes and solvents.
Also included on the list are common by-products of furniture production, such as wood dust and leather dust.
Under ideal circumstances, we would only label those products that we knew were being shipped to California. However, due to the nature of the foodservice sales channel, it is difficult for us to identify which products would ultimately be bought, sold, or brought into California. To ensure that we are in compliance with the regulation, all of our products will be labeled. Failure to include a warning could result in a civil penalty.
The following products contain chemicals covered under California’s Proposition 65.
- Bench units
- Cluster seating – chair heads
- Contour seats
- Court seats
- Metal chairs & stools
- Casegoods & cabinets
- Tables & counters – solid wood & laminate
- Upholstered furniture: booths, wall benches, banquettes, chairs, sofas, loveseats
- Wood bases
- Wood booths
- Wood chairs & stools
The level of risk that triggers the need for a Prop 65 label, as defined for chemicals listed as carcinogens, is when a person exposed to that chemical above the “no significant risk level’ for 70 years would have more than “one in 100,000” chance of developing cancer as a result of the exposure.
The fact that a product bears a proposition 65 warning does not mean by itself that the product is unsafe. Proposition 65 can be thought of as a “right to know” law rather than a product safety law. The intention of the regulation is that Californians have the right to know when they are exposed to chemicals that may potentially cause cancer or reproductive harm.
We want to assure you that Plymold always has the best interests and safety of our customers and employees in mind. We will continue to challenge our organization to ensure that we achieve the highest level of quality and safety possible. Thank you for your continued support.
