Heavy Metals in Consumer Products Limited under California Prop 65

Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, a ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly by California residents in 1986. Since its enactment, there have been numerous lawsuits which resulted in the reduction of carcinogenic and reproductive chemicals by reformulations of consumer products containing such chemicals.

Specifications for Heavy Metals under Proposition 65

Prop 65 is now over 28 years old and has been effective in reducing exposures to toxic chemicals. Even though, the Prop 65 list contains 850 or so chemicals, lead-containing consumer products have been consistently targeted over the years. 

Since late 2014, a number of Prop 65 settlements have been reached for the reformulation of heavy metals in a variety of products, including but not limited to

- Cadmium and lead in exterior designs in jars, ring holders, and salt and pepper shakers
- Lead in glass containers with exterior designs for bath products
- Tire pressure gauges

Adoption of Lead Inspection Method for Cadmium Testing

It is interesting to note that releasable cadmium using NIOSH 9100 (Ghost Wipe) is one of the reformulation requirements for exterior decorations in jars, ring holders as well as salt and pepper shakers. This test method is specifically intended for releasable lead. The adoption of this method for releasable cadmium may set a precedent for future Prop 65 agreements involving releasable heavy metals.

Highlights of these settlements for heavy metals are summarized in Table 1 within the latest Safeguards bulletin.

About SGS Safety Testing Services for Consumer Products

Throughout its global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing and consultancy for heavy metals and other restricted substances in consumer products under California Proposition 65 and for international markets.

To learn more about SGS services, please contact the company.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Hingwo Tsang
Global Toys and Juveniles Products Information and Innovation Manager
SGS Hong Kong Limited
1/F On Wui Centre
25 Lok Yip Road
Fanling, N.T., Hong Kong, China

t: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: [email protected]  
Website: http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.