California Proposition 65
also: Prop 65 · Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act
California law requiring clear warnings before exposing people to listed chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive harm; it affects many consumer products.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to give a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly exposing people in California to chemicals on a state list, maintained by OEHHA and updated at least once a year, unless the exposure is below the relevant safe-harbor level. Lead (in solder, brass and PVC cable jackets), certain phthalates and some flame retardants are common triggers in electronics. Warning content and format, including for online sales, are set out in regulations.
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from the warning requirement, but retailers often require warnings or compliance from suppliers by contract anyway. Enforcement happens largely through private lawsuits, which makes non-compliance expensive.
Founder takeaway
Screen your materials for listed chemicals, and either confirm exposures are below safe-harbor levels or use compliant warnings on the product, packaging and online listings.
sources
engineer review pending