Latest news with #Prop65
Scientific American
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scientific American
California Told Companies to Label Toxic Chemicals. Instead They're Quietly Dropping Them
Requiring warning labels on products with potentially toxic ingredients can obviously help keep them out of a careful consumer's shopping cart. But a recent study shows that these 'right-to-know' laws may also halt such formulations long before they hit the shelves or are released into the air—and can even protect people outside a law's geographic range. One of the most significant such laws ever passed in the U.S., California's Proposition 65, requires businesses to post a warning when chemical exposures, whether through product ingredients or air emissions, exceed a safe standard. For the recent study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, researchers interviewed business leaders and found that California's rule has caused many companies to reformulate their products by reducing amounts of flagged ingredients to safer levels—or by dropping them entirely. The interviews covered dozens of industries such as cleaning products, electronics and home improvement. They included top-earning brands across all sectors as well as leading green cleaning brands—although the companies remain anonymous in the study, says lead author Jennifer Ohayon, a scientist at the nonprofit research organization Silent Spring Institute. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Ohayon and her colleagues found that companies commonly replaced the warning-requiring ingredients altogether, in part to avoid possible litigation. Michael Freund is a lawyer who spent decades representing groups aiming to stop toxic chemical emissions; he says the California proposition's incentives can help fill a key gap. In the cases he worked on, 'every one of those companies had permits that allowed them to do what they were doing,' he says. 'And that's where Prop 65 comes into play.' Although the 1986 law is specific to California, the study results suggest its effects cross state borders as manufacturers reformulate their products nationally. A parallel study published last year by the Silent Spring Institute backs this idea up with data. That study looked at levels of 37 chemicals in blood and urine samples among both Californians and non-Californians. Of the chemicals, 26 were listed in Prop 65, and samples from before and after listing were available for 11 of those, which allowed for a comparison. For most of the chemicals, levels in people's bodies decreased after listing—both in California residents and across the nation. Megan Schwarzman, a researcher involved in both studies, says sample data exist for only a tiny fraction of the 900 Prop 65 chemicals. In a metaphorical game of Twister, the researchers had to figure out what publicly available data could be matched to Prop 65 chemicals because 'the data weren't collected for that purpose,' Schwarzman says. Monitoring all listed chemicals over time in future work would show any patterns much more clearly. The new study notes that Prop 65 is sometimes criticized for leaving Californians 'over-warned' and 'under-informed.' But the research so far suggests that regardless of consumer effects, the policy has guided at least some businesses' choices—raising the bar for everyone.
Cision Canada
05-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
/R E P E A T -- Claigan Webinar - Minnesota PFAS Reporting/
Updated Minnesota PFAS Reporting Rules OTTAWA, ON, April 28, 2025 /CNW/ - On May 7, Claigan will host a webinar to explain the newly released updated Minnesota PFAS reporting requirement. With PFAS reporting due January 1, 2026, the new reporting rules are expected to be the final format. Minnesota has the most comprehensive PFAS reporting requirement in the US, with more detail and substance than even the US federal EPA PFAS reporting requirements. With that in mind, Claigan has ensured the baseline information of our PFAS testing and consulting projects are structured for Minnesota PFAS reporting. Claigan's webinar will break down these details with a touch of humour, offering clear, practical advice on the steps companies need to complete to report in Minnesota Key topics will include: January 1 2026 deadline Who is in scope Reporting fields Rules and guidelines on margining similar products Reporting examples Reporting fees Note - due to the expected demand, there will be two (2) webinars scheduled on May 7. or on Claigan's Website at About Claigan Environmental ( Claigan is the leading provider in restricted materials compliance (consulting and testing). Claigan has tested thousands of products for PFAS, Section 71, REACH, POP, TSCA, Prop 65, and related global compliance. Claigan is an ISO 17025 certified laboratory, expert consultancy, and is dedicated to providing practical solutions for supply chain due diligence and social responsibility. At Claigan, our philosophy is simple: More Results, Less Journey.
Boston Globe
10-03-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
In the early 1800s, Black women ‘luminaries' lit Newport's streets. One woman is looking to rekindle that legacy.
LMNRY, which is pronounced Luminary, crafts candles from coconut soy wax and uses wooden wicks. She offers a candle-making experience class, which dives into the history of the craft and candle-making in Newport. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Advertisement Q: How does the business rekindle the forgotten legacy of Black women in Newport? Jones: Newport's Black history, like much of Black history in America, was told rather than officially recorded, leaving many stories missing or lost to time. What little we know about the Black women candle-makers of Newport comes from oral history shared by Rev. Alvin Riley of Mt. Zion Church. He recounted how Black women from the church made candles, which were then used to light the city's streets. Any historical records that would have been recorded were tragically lost when the original church burned down. LMNRY helps rekindle that history by honoring the legacy of the Black women who crafted candles to ensure Newport's streets were lit at night. Newport was among the earliest cities in the country to have street lights, and the contributions of Black women were crucial to making that happen. Through candle-making, I am continuing their craft, sharing their story, and making sure their impact is recognized and remembered. Q: How does LMNRY fit into your own personal and professional background? I began my career in retail, transitioned to working at a hotel front desk, moved to casino gaming, and then shifted to conventional banking. Through these experiences, I have always been creative. I had a passion for fashion and went to school for early childhood education. I always wanted to own a boutique, initially envisioning a clothing store. At 27, I was diagnosed with Advertisement Q: Where are you sourcing your ingredients from? My candles are sourced from a select group of small candle supply vendors across the country who prioritize quality and ethical sourcing, I use high-end clean burning materials that are all Prop 65 compliant, phthalate-free, and nontoxic, ensuring a safe and luxurious experience with every candle. Q: What does it mean to you to be the only Black woman to own a business on historic Thames Street? To me, representation is very important. I was born here in Newport, but becoming a business owner has introduced me to an entirely new side of this place that has been here the whole time. It's a different world. I have had the opportunity to sit at tables I never imagined I would, but it hasn't always been easy. I have met resistance, and there has been little to no advocacy or support. That is why I know there is still more work to do. I want to help other women and aspiring business owners not just find a seat at the table but build their own. Advertisement Q: Speaking from your experience opening the business, what changes would you like to see in Newport's small business community to make it more diverse and inclusive? It's a common misconception that Newport residents don't need resources. Through organizations like Q: What goals do you have for the next year? What about the next five years? I plan to ramp up production and marketing to position LMNRY to be in stores and one day amongst the likes of Jo Malone, Harlem Candle Co,. and Diptyque. I also aim to create more local jobs by hiring employees to host candle-making experiences at our shop. Q: What challenges are you facing, and how do you plan on overcoming them? Building LMNRY from the ground up from nothing comes with imposter syndrome, especially as a nontraditional business owner on Thames. I combat this by owning my space and proving that there's room at the table for everyone here. Lack of access to capital, inventory management, and staffing are ongoing challenges, but I'm handling that with strategic reinvestment, refining operations and building a passionate team. I also face competition from non-local franchises, making it crucial to highlight the authenticity and essence of Newport and the importance of shopping local. Advertisement With limited representation in this space, I'm committed to not only growing my business, but inspiring and supporting others to do the same. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Boston Globe's weekly Ocean State Innovators column features a Q&A with Rhode Island innovators who are starting new businesses and nonprofits, conducting groundbreaking research, and reshaping the state's economy. Send tips and suggestions to reporter Alexa Gagosz at . Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Clean Label Project to Showcase Latest Protein Powder Contaminant Study at Natural Products Expo West 2025
DENVER, CO, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2025 / / -- Clean Label Project (CLP), a nonprofit organization committed to transparency in consumer product labeling and ingredient quality, will be exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West 2025, the leading trade show for the natural and organic products industry. Attendees are invited to visit the Clean Label Project Booth 3195 to learn more about the latest findings from CLP's Protein Investigation 2.0 study, which identified elevated levels of heavy metals in popular protein powders. As consumers increasingly incorporate protein supplements into their wellness routines and turn to GLP-1s for weight management, Clean Label Project's research offers vital insights into ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and potential risks tied to some of the market's most popular products. Protein Investigation 2.0: Key Findings Clean Label Project's analysis of 160 protein supplements, representing 83% of the market share, revealed: - 77% of protein powders tested contained lead, with nearly half exceeding California's Prop 65 safety limits in one serving. - Organic protein powders contained three times more lead and twice as much cadmium as non-organic varieties. - Chocolate-flavored protein powders contained up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders. CLP's 'Clean Sixteen' Clean Label Project is excited to unveil our 'Clean Sixteen' — a lineup of sixteen protein powders that tested non-detect for heavy metals in the 2024/2025 protein powder study. This achievement highlights that, with dedicated supply chain diligence, it's entirely possible to craft protein powders that are not only nutritious, affordable, and delicious but also low in heavy metals. Visit Clean Label Project at Expo West 2025 'Protein powder plays a key role in the morning routines of those aiming to build muscle, shed weight, or enhance their healthy lifestyle,' said Jackie Bowen, Executive Director of Clean Label Project. 'Consumers have a right to transparency about the products they rely on for their health. At Expo West, we're excited to explore how brands can elevate safety standards, refine sourcing practices, and restore consumer trust.' Booth #3195 – Stop by to learn more about Clean Label Project's certification programs, industry advocacy efforts, and the latest contaminant testing insights. For more information on Clean Label Project's latest research and initiatives, visit About Clean Label Project Clean Label Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting truth and transparency in consumer product labeling and ingredient quality. Through independent testing for industrial and environmental contaminants, Clean Label Project provides consumers with the data they need to make informed, healthier choices. Kate Stuard Legal Disclaimer:
New York Times
12-02-2025
- Health
- New York Times
California's Scary Warning Labels Might Be Working, Study Says
The warnings, on thousands of products sold in California, are stark. 'Use of the following products,' one label says, 'will expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.' Now, new research shows the warnings may be working. A study published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that California's right-to-know law, which requires companies to warn people about harmful chemicals in their products, has swayed many companies to stop using those chemicals altogether. As it turns out, companies don't want to sell a product that carries a big cancer warning label, said Dr. Megan Schwarzman, a physician and environmental-health scientist at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and an author of the study. Combine that with the threat of lawsuits and reputational costs, as well as companies just wanting to do the right thing for health, and 'it becomes a great motivator for change,' she said. California maintains a list of about 900 chemicals known to cause cancer and other health effects. Under the 1986 right-to-know law, also known as Prop 65, products that could expose people to harmful amounts of those chemicals must carry warning labels. Critics had long mocked the measure, saying the warnings were so ubiquitous — affixed to cookware, faux leather jackets, even baked goods — that they had become largely meaningless in the eyes of shoppers. But the latest study found that companies, more than consumers, may be most influenced by the warnings. To assess the law's effect, researchers carried out interviews at 32 global manufacturers and retailers that sell clothing, personal-care, cleaning, and a range of home products. Almost 80 percent of interviewees said Prop 65 had prompted them to reformulate their products. Companies can avoid the warning labels if they reduce the level of any Prop 65 chemicals below a 'safe harbor' threshold. A similar share of companies said they looked to Prop 65 to determine which chemicals to avoid. And 63 percent said the law had prompted them to also reformulate products they sold outside California. The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the study. No other state has a law quite like Prop. 65, requiring warnings on such a wide range of products about cancer or reproductive harm. New York enacted a more limited law in 2020 that requires manufacturers to disclose certain chemicals in children's products and that bans the use of certain chemicals by 2023. Other states have laws geared toward disclosure of ingredients on labels. California, meanwhile, is pushing ahead. A 2018 change to Prop 65 has meant products are starting to carry even more specific labels. Some food and beverage cans, for example, may carry labels that warn that they 'have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to the State of California to cause harm to the female reproductive system.' The latest research is part of a larger effort to analyze Prop 65's effect on people's exposure to toxic chemicals. In a study published last year, researchers at the Silent Spring Institute and UC Berkeley found that in the years after certain chemicals were listed under the law, levels of those chemicals in people's bodies decreased both in California and nationwide. That research came with a caveat, however. In some examples where levels of a listed chemical decreased, a close substitute to that chemical, potentially with similar harmful effects, increased. Prop 65 has no mechanism to check the safety of alternative chemicals. It suggested that stronger policies were needed at both the federal and state levels to study and regulate the thousands of chemicals on the market, Dr. Schwarzman said. 'This is so much bigger than the individual consumer and what we choose off-the-shelf,' she said.
