The Proposition 65 warning label on furniture states that the product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm, often causing consumer anxiety. This label is a legal requirement designed to inform the public about potential chemical exposure, not an immediate declaration of danger. For furniture, the warning is triggered by the potential presence of various substances used in manufacturing. This information clarifies what the Prop 65 warning signifies when affixed to household items.
The Purpose of Proposition 65
Proposition 65, officially the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California regulation focused on the public’s “right to know” about chemical exposure. The state maintains a list of over 900 substances identified as causing cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. Businesses selling products in California must provide a “clear and reasonable warning” if their product exposes consumers to any listed chemical above a defined safe harbor level. This law is a notification mandate, not a prohibition on chemical use, leading companies to apply the warning broadly to avoid litigation.
Common Chemicals in Furniture Warranting Warnings
The Prop 65 warning on furniture is typically linked to specific chemical groups used for manufacturing or fire safety.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants were historically added to polyurethane foam cushioning to help furniture resist ignition, often due to prior California flammability standards. Listed carcinogens like chlorinated tris (TDCPP) and TCEP were frequently used in upholstered products before recent regulations restricted their use.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde frequently triggers the warning, particularly in furniture made from composite wood products like particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard. Manufacturers use adhesives, such as urea-formaldehyde resins, to bond the wood fibers together. This chemical is also sometimes found in paints, lacquers, and other surface coatings.
Phthalates
Phthalates may prompt a warning when used in vinyl or plastic components, such as artificial leather upholstery. These chemicals are added to plastics to increase flexibility and durability. Several phthalates, including DEHP and DINP, are on the Prop 65 list due to concerns about reproductive toxicity.
Understanding Actual Exposure and Risk Levels
A Prop 65 warning indicates that exposure could exceed the state’s stringent legal threshold, which is often far below levels considered harmful by federal agencies. The state sets a No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) for carcinogens, defined as the dose resulting in no more than one excess case of cancer per 100,000 people over 70 years. For reproductive toxicants, the Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) is set 1,000 times lower than the lowest dose shown to have no observable effect.
Actual human exposure from furniture occurs primarily through off-gassing and dust ingestion. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde are released into the air from composite wood products, a process known as off-gassing, which is highest when the product is new. Non-volatile chemicals, such as flame retardants and phthalates, migrate out of the product over time and accumulate in household dust, leading to exposure when the dust is inhaled or ingested.
Strategies for Reducing Household Exposure
Consumers concerned about the warnings can adopt simple strategies to reduce potential exposure to these substances.
Managing New Furniture
When introducing new composite wood furniture, allow the product to “off-gas” in a well-ventilated area for several days before bringing it inside. Maintaining low indoor temperatures and humidity levels also helps, as high heat and moisture accelerate the release of formaldehyde gas.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Since non-volatile chemicals accumulate in dust, regular and thorough cleaning is an effective way to minimize exposure. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to capture chemical-laden dust particles. Wet mopping and dusting also remove settled dust instead of stirring it back into the air.
Purchasing Choices
When purchasing new items, look for furniture made from solid wood or materials certified with low-VOC finishes. For upholstered products, seek items confirming they contain no added chemical flame retardants, such as those meeting the TB 117-2013 standard. Choosing products with third-party certifications, such as TSCA Title VI or CARB Phase 2 compliant, ensures lower formaldehyde emissions from composite wood.