With the addition to the list, manufacturers with products that contain the chemical will have to determine if the styrene level is above the threshold that has been set. The new labeling rules go into effect on April 22, 2017.
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed an amount of 27 micrograms per day as a No Significant Risk Level (NSRL). Products that exceed that exposure would be need to include a warning label or reformulate.
News Drill Down
- The National Law review writes that this addition has been in the works since 2009. Then, it was withdrawn after a lawsuit was brought from the Styrene Information and Research Center. Again in 2013 it was proposed, but was again withdrawn due to more litigation.
The current proposal began in 2015. - More background on styrene, which is a key chemical component for many different plastic materials, is available from the UL Environment blog.
- During the recent comment period for the NSRL, the Styrene Information and Research Center provided documentation suggesting that the minimum threshold could be higher than the 27 micrograms being presented by the OEHHA.
- WholeFoods Magazine provides a look at how this would apply to plastics in the food industry, particularly that it could affect the plastics used to transport key agriculture products from California.
Reading List
National Law Review: Styrene Added to California Prop 65 of Carcinogens, Despite Objections
UL Environment Blog: Styrene Added to the Proposition 65 List of Chemicals
Styrene Information and Research Center: Comments on the NSRL threshold
WholeFoods Magazine: Styrene, Used in Packaging, May be Added to Prop 65 List
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