California extends toxicity listing for TCE under Prop. 65

Dec. 10, 2013

Products containing TCE must be labeled as a carcinogen.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) recently announced its intent to add trichloroethylene (TCE) to the list of compounds causing male reproductive toxicity and developmental toxicity under Proposition 65, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. TCE was previously added to the list of carcinogens under Prop 65 in 1988.

According to AAIA, TCE is usually found in metal degreasers, paint removers, adhesives and textile solvents.

The notice of intent would maintain the requirements for businesses where TCE is present in the workplace at a certain level to post notices to their employees and provide safety equipment, if necessary. Additionally, products containing TCE will have to carry a label either on the packaging or in the store clearly warning consumers of the compound’s presence and the knowledge that it is both a carcinogen and a reproductive toxin.

California’s OEHHA is responsible for the oversight of Proposition 65, or the California Safety Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Read the details on the November TCE notification.