We monitor a wide range of consumer products to detect hidden chemical hazards. Our team uses independent lab testing to examine products on the market, and we focus on several key categories of goods that people use every day. When we find a problem, our goal is not only to call it out but to help drive a solution.
Foods & Beverages
Foods and drinks can sometimes expose consumers to harmful chemicals without anyone realizing. A wide array of foods often contain harmful amounts of lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury - all of which are chemicals on the Prop 65 list. If these hazards aren’t being clearly communicated to consumers, we step in. We work with food and beverage companies to either reduce these contaminants in their products or add clear warnings as required, so you can trust that what you eat and drink is as safe as it should be.
Want to learn more about potential exposures? Visit the Proposition 65 website, with detailed information on:
Dietary Supplements
Vitamins, herbal remedies, protein powders and other wellness products are meant to improve your health, but unfortunately some hide toxic surprises. Many supplements we’ve tested have contained the same heavy metals found in foods in amounts that exceed safe limits. We believe people have a right to know about these hidden dangers. In this category, we hold supplement manufacturers accountable by demanding they eliminate harmful contaminants or provide proper Prop 65 warnings. Our enforcement efforts ensure that the supplements and health products you take daily are truly safe and free from harmful toxins.
Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
Cosmetics and personal care items are used directly on the body, yet they can contain chemicals that pose serious health risks. Some examples have made headlines:
Certain skin lightening creams sold illegally have been found to contain mercury, a toxic metal that can damage the nervous system
A number of lipsticks and eyeliners have tested positive for lead
Popular hair-smoothing treatments can release formaldehyde gas when heated, a known carcinogen
These are exactly the kinds of hidden hazards we watch for in beauty and personal care products. We work to hold cosmetics manufacturers responsible for any dangerous ingredients in their formulas. By enforcing Prop 65 in the beauty industry, we push for safer formulations and honest labeling - so you can use makeup, lotions, and other personal care products with peace of mind about their safety.
Textiles & Apparel
Clothing, accessories, and other textile products may seem harmless, but they sometimes come with invisible chemical risks. Some waterproof or stain-resistant fabrics, for example, are treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and other health issues. Certain shoes, handbags, or clothing items made with vinyl and plastics have been found to contain phthalates or lead – chemicals known to cause reproductive harm and other health problems. Our team pays attention to these everyday items as well. If a garment or textile product is exposing people to dangerous substances without a proper warning, we take action under Prop 65. Our efforts help keep toxic chemicals out of your closet and ensure that the clothes and accessories you use are safe.
Other Consumer Products
Beyond the categories above, countless other consumer goods can pose Proposition 65 concerns. We scrutinize items ranging from children’s toys and baby products to household goods, electronics, and furniture. For instance, a child’s toy or piece of costume jewelry might contain lead paint or cadmium, or a furniture product might off-gas formaldehyde from its wood components and adhesives. No matter the product type, if it’s exposing consumers – especially vulnerable groups like children – to harmful chemicals without the required warning, we will take action. Our scope is broad because protecting consumer safety has no boundaries. Whether it’s a kitchen utensil, a cleaning product, or a gadget, if it poses a hidden toxic risk, we are prepared to address it so that all consumer products can be used with greater confidence in their safety.