It’s no secret that chemicals are abundant today in many forms of business, from manufacturing to beauty. While they carry a negative connotation to some, there are many chemicals that are safe. However, business owners need to be aware of the products they are using and any documentation required by law. To keep consumers protected, California began requiring manufacturers to put disclosure and warning labels on their products. These laws change continually, so it is critical to stay up to date and consider how California’s chemical labeling laws could affect your company.
Chemical Labeling Is Important
It’s important for companies to label their chemical products. Labels typically provide consumers with the necessary information, such as ingredients, directions for use and disposal instructions. Tags also include potential health warnings. Label usage is so important that public organizations focus on it in order to protect the workers who encounter these substances on a daily basis. OSHA, which is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also mandates chemical labeling. OSHA works hard to ensure that employees have safe working conditions. The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) was created to help improve workplace safety on an international scale. Workers dealing with unknown, undocumented chemicals could suffer serious harms with little information available to provide treatment.
Proposition 65
California is a leader in encouraging label usage, especially following the passage of Proposition 65. As a statewide law, it developed from a movement to protect water supplies from contamination by chemicals. The initiative passed, and businesses were officially required to label their products. An extensive list was created of potentially toxic ingredients and manufacturers must note on the product label if it contains anything from the list. Everything from food to solvents must include warnings for consumers. The Prop 65 list of toxins is updated yearly and consistently adds in potentially dangerous chemicals. Additionally, “safe harbor levels” are also included, as are daily exposure limits. Keeping track of changes to the Proposition 65 list is important for your business’ compliance with state law.
The Labels
In most situations, you’ll find the labels directly on the products, and it’s important to learn how to read them. Potentially hazardous materials, like bleach or pesticides, will include a yellow triangle with “WARNING” in bold text. You’ll only see this label on items that include chemicals from the Prop 65 list. Some sort of toxicity risk should also be provided on the product. If an included ingredient has the potential to cause cancer, the item should disclose the carcinogenic possibility. Alternatively, warning labels can be posted as signs in businesses, notices to rental tenants and even notices printed in newspapers. Regardless of the delivery method, California ensures consumers and workers have the information they need.
California has advanced regulations for labeling chemicals. From creating the Prop 65 chemical list to enforcement fines, the state takes these laws seriously. Keep up with changes to make sure you remain in compliance.
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