Adding an air purifier is just what I needed to improve the air quality of my room. But while I marveled at all the benefits it provided, I almost did not notice the small ‘Prop 65’ label written on it.
So, why does air purifier have 65 warning on it? Apparently, things like refrigerators, HVAC, air purifiers, air coolers, etc. contain chemicals that are often released into the air. And a prop 65 alerts customers that their air purifier contains one of those carcinogenic chemicals. However, that does not mean it is not safe.
To have a Prop 65 is a federal and state requirement that is specific to California and it covers about 900 chemicals. We’ll talk more about this label in detail below.
Prop 65 Warning on Air Purifiers
If you are a resident of California, you must be aware of the Prop 65 labeling on appliances. The Prop 65 warning is a specific law of California to label anything that contains chemicals that might pose a threat to living beings.
California Proposition 65 was passed in 1986, where it stated that any manufactured product containing chemicals that might cause cancer or birth defects must include a warning label. The number of chemicals is around 900, and it’s still increasing.
This list contains mostly pesticides and insecticides, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium (Chromium 6), etc. It is updated once a year.
The United States manufacturers distribute their products all over the country. So, they need to follow the laws of every state when it comes to safety. However, having this label does not make something entirely fatal. It simply makes you aware of the risk factors.
Why Should Appliances Have a Warning Label
We are already aware that Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) play a major role in global warming. Thus, scientists have decided to reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
So, the P65 warning notifies you of the number of chemicals and their quantity or percentage present in a product. So, if a substance is under the level of potential harm, you can consider buying it.
When to Avoid P65 Purifiers
- If you are pregnant or plan to conceive, or you have infants and/or toddlers
- You have pets
- Already suffering from a disease, especially cancer
- If you are allergic to any of the P65 ingredients list
- You are a senior citizen or live with one
We hope this article answered your questions about your air purifier having a 65 warning. If you decide not to take a risk at all, get air purifiers without the P65 label.
Last Updated on November 17, 2022
