What does the Prop65 warning attached to my product stand for?
Proposition 65 requires the U.S. state of California to maintain and update a list of chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Companies with 10 or more employees that expose people to the listed chemicals through their products or operations are generally required to post warnings. The warning must be provided to Californians before they purchase a product. These warnings may also appear in other states or on the Internet, depending on which route the product takes in distribution.
Why is there a Prop65 warning on my Katadyn water filter?
- Katadyn Pocket, Combi, Expedition, Drip and Vario use a ceramic filter to purify water. Katadyn ceramic is made from natural sediments such as diatomaceous earth. Katadyn has analytically tested the water after it has passed through the filter and we have not detected any lead, arsenic or antimony after using the product. If you follow the instructions for use, there is no risk of exposure. However, the authorities do not test the water that comes out of the filter, but they grind the material and extract the individual, chemical elements from it. Since the material is made from natural sediments, we cannot be sure that the very low metal levels allowed by Proposition 65 will always be met. Trace metals are on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Why is there a Prop65 warning on my Steripen UV pen?
- Each Steripen contains a germicidal mercury lamp. Mercury is used to produce the UV light needed to kill harmful microorganisms in drinking water. There is no exposure to mercury for the user unless the UV lamp is broken. The UV lamp of the Steripen is covered with a strong glass. In the event of an accident, a person may still break the glass. In this case, exposure to mercury is possible. Mercury and mercury compounds are on the Proposition 65 list because they can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Why is there a Prop65 warning on my Optimus stove?
- All gas, gasoline, wood and charcoal camping stoves emit unavoidable amounts of carbon monoxide during combustion. Carbon monoxide (CO) is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. You can greatly reduce carbon monoxide exposure by using your stoves exclusively outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
- Stoves are made of a variety of metals. One of them is brass. It is an ideal metal for heat conductivity, is lightweight, and is easy to work with. Brass can contain lead, which is listed on Prop65. However, if you are using an Optimus stove, you are not exposed to lead. However, authorities can find brass metal in Optimus stoves and extract lead in the lab.