Effective October the 27th 2017 the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is adding N,N-dimethylformamide, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and tetrabromobisphenol A to the list of chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer.

Effective November 10, 2017, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is adding perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity.

Substance Introduction

Chemical	CAS No.	Endpoint	Main uses
N,N-Dimethylformamide	68-12-2	cancer	Mainly used as reaction solvent, and intermediate in organic synthesis, containing in leather, PCB, etc.
2-Mercaptobenzothiazole	149-30-4	cancer	Used for the manufacture of rubber products
Tetrabromobisphenol A	79-94-7	cancer	Flame retardants, used in plastics, rubber, textile, fiber and paper, etc.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)	335-67-1	Developmental toxicity	In paint, coatings, printing ink industries as flow flat, anti-sticking, antifouling agent; In the fire industry used as the light water foam fire extinguishing agent; In polymer system used as emulsifying agent, release agent, antifoggant and antistatic agent; In the electronics industry as a cleaning agent, flux, oxidation inhibitors; As a lubricant in metal fabrication, rinse additive, corrosion inhibitor.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)	1763-23-1	Developmental toxicity	Widely used in surface treatment, paper protection, electroplating inhibitory spray and other fields because of  excellent waterproof and oil-resistance function.

CA 65 Introduction

Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The Proposition was intended by its authors to protect California citizens and the State‘s drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals. so, in theory, all products containing hazardous substances within the scope of its control, including but not limited to Electrical and electronic products, textile products, toys, food contact materials, jewelry products and home decor products.

Proposition 65 requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

CTI Suggestion

California‘s 65 does not set limit to the material. The limit of substances in the products should refer to any existing lawsuit aiming at this kind of product or agreement. Enterprises should compare the existing lawsuit of substances control requirements and focus on newly added substances and risky chemicals. In  order to reduce the risk of breach of the law, companies are suggested to conduct a supply chain survey and perform testing if necessary.