Toxic Chemicals Regulation in California: Challenges and Progress

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This chapter explores the environmental crisis in California in the mid-80s, focusing on toxic chemicals, lead exposure, tap water safety, and regulatory gaps. It discusses the creation of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 and the introduction of warning labels for products containing harmful chemicals.

Intimidating Proposition 65 warnings can be found on all kinds of products manufactured or distributed in the State of California. They can seem rather terrifying at first, but within the state, they are ubiquitous, on everyday objects from power tools to potato chips, dietary supplements, leather jackets, gas pumps, coffee tables, the list goes on. All of which raises the question: if these labels are on so many things, are they actually useful in warning us of real dangers?

572- WARNING: This Podcast Contains Chemicals Known to the State of California to Cause Cancer or Other Reproductive Harm