The State is required to maintain and publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The list is administered by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and is updated at least once a year. First published in 1986, the list now includes approximately 900 chemicals.
Once a chemical is listed, businesses are required to:
- Provide a “clear and reasonable” warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical. This warning can be given by a variety of means, such as by labeling a consumer product, posting signs at the workplace, distributing notices at a rental housing complex, or publishing notices in a newspaper. Enforcement begins twelve months after listing
- Cease discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water. Enforcement begins 20 months after listing