U.S. – Prop 65 Settlement for Chromium VI in Leather Gloves

Vol. 1190 | 22 Sep 2020

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly referred to as Proposition 65 (Prop 65), is enforced by the California Attorney General’s office. In addition, any district attorney, city attorney (population greater than 750,000), or any individual acting in the public interest may also enforce Prop 65.

In the last year there were many 60-day notices served for alleged violation of not providing warning for exposure to Chromium VI from certain leather products. Chromium VI has been listed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) as a chemical known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. These 60-day notices led to two recent settlements concerning Chromium VI exposure from leather gloves. These settlements require a clear and reasonable warning to be displayed on the covered products (leather gloves) that contain Chromium VI. Chromium VI, also known as hexavalent chromium, may be used in pigments for textile dyes, or for tanning of leather goods.

• Example of a warning label as per settlement
  WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including chromium (hexavalent compounds), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
• Example of an abbreviated warning label per settlement:
  WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

At Intertek, we offer knowledge in Proposition 65 analysis, risk management, and solutions for safe products.

Please contact Stephanie Bilotti (Stephanie.Bilotti@intertek.com, +1 862-316-5877), Dr. Stella Li (xingyu.li@intertek.com, +1 (503) 351-9612), or Dr. Pratik Ichhaporia (pratik.ichhaporia@intertek.com, +1-847-212-8273). for any additional questions or concerns.