The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72020

Michael Green, MS, MPP, Center for Environmental Health, 528 61st Street, Suite A, Oakland, CA 94609, 510-594-9864, mgreen@cehca.org

Implementation of the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Prop 65) has resulted in important reductions in the public’s exposure to toxic chemicals. These reductions have occurred both in environmental exposures and exposures from consumer products. Public health benefits from Prop 65 have extended beyond California, because many consumer products have been reformulated nationally in order to comply with Prop 65 requirements.

This presentation will outline specific case studies of companies that have reduced or eliminated their use of carcinogens or reproductive toxicants as a result of compliance with Prop 65.

In addition, this presentation will describe recent efforts by industry to weaken Prop 65, whether those efforts are likely to be successful, and what concerned public health professionals can do to help preserve this important tool for protecting public health.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Give specific examples of facilities that have reduced their air emissions of toxic chemicals in order to comply with Prop 65's warning requirements.
  7. Explain how specific consumer products have been reformulated without carcinogens or reproductive toxicants so that manufacturers are in compliance with Prop 65.
  11. Describe the current debate regarding reasons to either strengthen or weaken Prop 65.

Keywords: Toxicants, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) is a non-profit organization that has received funds from public interest litigation filed under Prop 65. Mr. Green receives a salary from CEH.