What is Prop 65
Proposition 65 is a warning label for Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Any product that is sold in California will have this label even at retailers outside of California.
The list contains naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals. It is updated yearly and there are currently 900 chemicals on the list in 2024.
Exposure Limit?
Technically this label is for “significant exposures” and the chemicals need not be listed if “the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
However, in reality, the exposure risk is not usually calculated and you will still see the label if the products contain only trace levels of the Prop 65 chemicals or even when the chemicals are enclosed within the product and there is no reasonable way to gain exposure to them.
All appliances will have Prop 65 chemicals somewhere in the unit.
The real question and uncertainty around appliances comes down to whether that exposure is really large enough to be of concern, especially since the chemicals are largely enclosed within the appliance.
I’ll go over which Prop 65 chemicals are found in washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, and dishwashers, and which brands have the label and which brands don’t, as well as how to minimize your exposure.
This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Which Prop 65 Chemicals Can Be Found in Appliances:
1. Phthalates may be present in plastic components of appliances (specifically in flexible vinyl) according to the Prop 65 website. Electrical wiring is often coated in vinyl, and there may be other PVC tubes or hoses.
2. BPA can be found in plastic (epoxy or polycarbonate) components of an appliance. For example, I’ve seen it listed as a warning on toaster ovens.
3. Styrene is also something I have seen a toaster oven company disclose. However, they did not say where in the appliance it was coming from. This could be a component of rubber or of insulation in some appliances. It could also be because it contains polystyrene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
4. Flame retardants may be present in plastic components of appliances according to the Prop 65 website. Electrical wiring and cords also usually contain flame retardants. Flame retardants could also be found as a contaminant of recycled plastic use (especially black plastic) (source).
5. Antimony: Tamara Rubin has found that most appliance electrical cords will test positive for Antimony (as a component of added flame retardants). When she tests electrical cords of appliances, she normally finds the level in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 parts per million (ppm). Antimony is also used in solder (source) and can be found in recycled plastics (source).
6. Arsenic: Tamara says she often finds trace Arsenic in black plastic handles of kitchen tools and appliances. She believes it is likely a contaminant of the black pigmentation. In one test she found extremely low levels of Arsenic in the black plastic handle of a kettle (3 +/- 1 ppm). This is safe, by any standard she explains, though it’s still a Prop 65 Chemical.
7. Lead: is almost always a component of brass parts, and it can be found in plastic (intentionally added or as a contaminant in black plastic or PVC), solder, electrical cords, nuts, painted parts like logos, and more in appliances.
8. Nickel: is part of stainless steel. There can also be nickel plated metals.
9. Cadmium: Tamara has found trace Cadmium (13 to 22 ppm) in borosilicate glass of a kettle. This is not unusual, says Tamara. Plastic dyes or pigments can contain cadmium. Silicone usually contains low levels of cadmium. Batteries can contain cadmium.
10. Bitumens: is used in the surround of many dishwashers.
11. Short-chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) were listed by one company on their washers and dryers company specifically. They are used as lubricants for metal, plasticizers in flame retardant plastics, in electrical equipment, and some rubber.
12. Formaldehyde is something I have seen listed as a Prop 65 chemical on a washing machine. In appliances, formaldehyde could potentially be found in drive belts, electrical insulators, circuit boards (though not usually made with formaldehyde anymore), heat-resistant handles and knobs, industrial equipment parts, precision mechanical parts, foam insulation, adhesives, and bearings and gears (though these two are normally metal).
13. 1,3-Butadiene is a key monomer for synthetic rubbers like styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It can be present in hoses, gaskets, or belts if not fully reacted (i.e. in very low amounts).
14. Other Proposition 65 chemicals may also be present in enclosed components of the appliance (such as printed circuit boards). During normal use, consumer exposure to these chemicals is expected to be negligible according to the Prop 65 website.
Appliance Brands With And Without a Prop 65 Warning
Please note that brands can change this warning at any moment and that some websites that sell the products may not display the warning even if it exists. This info below is subject to change at any time and is only as accurate as websites were at the time of writing.
1. Washing Machine Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, GE, Bosch, BLACK+DECKER, Magic Chef, Midea, and Amana, Speed Queen all have the warning.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: Washing machine brands without the Prop 65 warning include Equator, Miele, and Electrolux.
2. Fridge Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: Frigidaire, Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, GE, Magic Chef, Hisense, Haier, KitchenAid, Bosch, BLACK+DECKER, Kenmore, UNIQUE, Smeg, IKEA, and more, all have the warning.
Without the Prop 65 warning: I’ve not seen any fridge brands without the Prop 65 warning.
3. Microwave Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With Prop 65 Warning: Magic Chef, Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, KitchenAid, Maytag, Frigidaire, Sharp, BLACK+DECKER, Bosch and more.
Without the Prop 65 Warning: Microwave brands without the Prop 65 warning include Panasonic. Please see my review of various Panasonic models here.
4. Oven Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With Prop 65 Warning: GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, LG, Bosch, Haier, Maytag and more.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: One brand I have seen without the warning is Mueller. Also, Mielle says that all Prop 65 Warning chemicals are fully enclosed and encapsulated to ensure there is no exposure.
5. Dishwasher Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With Prop 65 Warning: Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, Maytag, LG, Frigidaire, Bosch, KitchenAid, Mielle.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: One brand I have seen without the warning is Mueller.
6. Blender Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With Prop 65 Warning: Ninja, GE, Oster Pro 64 oz. 3-Speed Brushed Nickel Silver Blender.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: Vitamix 2500 and all Vitamix blenders, Blendtec Classic 570, Cuisinart Hurricane Pro, Waring CB15, NutriBullet Pro, Hamilton Beach Wave Crusher, Oster Heritage Classic Series.
7. Food Processor Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: Ninja, GE, KitchenAid, Cuisinart has a Prop 65 warning on the box, though it’s not on the Home Depot site.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: Hamilton Beach 10-Cup Food Processor with Bowl Scraper Attachment (plastic work bowl), NutriBullet 7-Cup Food Processor (plastic work bowl), VEVOR 42-Cup Capacity Commercial Food Processor Grain Mill Electric Food Cutter (stainless steel work bowl).
8. Toaster Ovens With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: Black+Decker, GE, KitchenAid.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: HYSapientia Air Fryer Convection Oven, Oster Digital Air Fryer Oven, Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Large Capacity. Please see my article on non-toxic toaster ovens if you want to select options without PFAS and see a review of these three.
9. Dehumidifiers With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: GE, Frigidaire, Keystone, Honeywell, Whirlpool, VISSANI.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: JEREMY CASS 125 pt. 8,500 sq.ft. Commercial Grade Dehumidifier with Pump.
10. TV Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
With a Prop 65 Warning: Samsung
Without a Prop 65 Warning: Sony, LG, Hisense (but check with individual models).
11. Vacuums With & Without a Prop 65 Warning
With a Prop 65 Warning: Eureka, Shark, Hoover
Without a Prop 65 Warning: Dyson, Roborock (at least some, though check accessories)
Minimize Exposure to Prop 65 Chemicals From Appliances
Most of these chemicals are found in internal parts, and some are found in extremely low levels..
Flame retardants and phthalates do tend to leach out into household dust and so to minimize exposure to these chemicals, minimize your exposure to dust.
Dr. Mudgal explains:
- Clean floors regularly, using a wet mop for hard surfaces and a HEPA vac for soft or hard surfaces. The HEPA component is important as it picks up these tiny contaminants (and is one of the best interventions you can make toward a healthy home).
- Regularly clean and maintain appliances: dust and residues can accumulate in and around appliances. Periodic disassembly and vacuuming of vents (e.g., on refrigerators, microwaves, and computers) can prevent build-up of flame-retardant particles.
- Wipe up dust regularly in the home, using a damp cloth free of chemicals.
- Wash your hands after touching the electrical cords of appliances.
- Wash hands more frequently for children & pets: Young children and pets are at higher risk due to increased contact with household dust, says Dr. Mudgal, toxicologist.
- Regular hand washing (especially before meals) significantly reduces ingestion of chemical residues, says Dr. Mudgal.
To reduce VOCs from appliances see my articles on reducing offgassing in a home as well as how to offgas a new fridge and new dishwasher.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
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Jimmy
Thank you for all the good information. May I ask what the best/safest finish for bathroom accessories is. We are creating an ADA style bathroom, and I ordered some brushed nickel accessories (ex grab bars, shower handheld slider, shower head, some of which may be returnable), because I was thinking it would require less maintenance, something that is important as we age and become more dependent. Any ideas about the safety of the nickel, baked powder coating, PVD coating, and what would be the best/safest finish(es) for bathroom accessories. Thank you kindly.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I talk about this a bit in the lead free faucets article
Jimmy
Ok, I will look for the article. Thank you Corinne.
Carol Williams
Hello! Thank you so much for your website! I am looking for an excellent vacuum that does not have or warrant the Calif Prop 65 warning on it but can’t find a good one for severe allergies. Have you happened to find one? Ok thanks!
Carol
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I just updated the post with vacuums.
Pam
Just found your site! Very informative. Thank you for sharing.
You may be interested to know the Anderson Windows are the only windows I could find that did not have the P65 warning. They are more expensive, but may be worth it to be healthier!
El bryor
what space heaters have no proper 65 warning?
Sarah
Looking for a hand-held vacuum with a HEPA filter on it. Any recommendations for something less toxic than others?
Teresa
So just to clarify, the products listed here that don’t have the warnings are safe (after double checking current information)?
Christy
Dusting helps, good to know. I hate dust anyways.
Sarah
One more washing machine brand to add to the list to brands that do have Prop 65 warnings is Speed Queen.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
speed queen has a prop 65 warning
Sarah
Yes. I think that’s what I was saying.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
oh sorry!
Sarah
Haha! I ran over here after reading your comment on the dehumidifier because I started getting worried about my cognitive state! Wave of relief to realize I didn’t bungle this one up, too!
Jacquelyn Keroack
Hi! I am making a registry for my wedding and finding soooooo many kitchen and bedroom items have the prop 65. I was looking at a Mortar and Pestle and it said ‘non toxic’ but it had the label! Im wondering if you have any solid reccomendations for kitchen items like baking sheets, tupparwear, plates, so on and bedroom items like sheets so on that do not have the prop 65!!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I don’t have articles about most small home items like baking sheets etc, I do have a post on sheets but the focus on that article and most of my articles is for the chemically sensitive
Bela Banathy
Hi, I am looking at the LG all-in-one washer LG WM69888HVA that according to RCWiley has a prop 65 warning – listing formaldehyde as a possible problem. Should I be concerned about this?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I added formaldehyde to the list in the article
Sheree
We are a very health conscious family and now are very concerned about the new refrigerator that was just delivered as it has a prop 65 label taped to the front door with no specifics. It is an LG model # LRDNS2200W /02. Is there a refrigerator brand or model within a brand that has less toxic materials in its inside components/plastic shelves/vinyl walls (all the non enclosed materials)? We don’t know if we should return it to find something less toxic? How hazard is what we now have had delivered?
Sincere thanks for helping us with this important matter.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
This article covers the prop 65 warning and what chemicals that refers to. Another article covers non toxic appliances that the chemically sensitive do well with.
Doreen Snyder
Hello, I am in the market for a new oven and am having trouble finding information on a non toxic oven. I was gong to purchase the 48″ Wolf oven but found they are having a problem with the blue interior coating. Do you have any suggestions or perhaps you may have a resource that you could reccoment that might help me in my search?
Thank you for your time, D. Snyder
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
See the article on non toxic appliances
Paula
hello,
looking for a vacuum that does not have the CA prop 65 warning, any ideas?
thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I haven’t done a search for vacuums without a prop 65 warning
Angela Garcia
buy an old style 50s stove
Steve
This warning left me a little alarmed until I thought about what the washer is composed of, Oil in the transmission, paint on the inside to keep water from rusting the drum, a plastic pump and polymer hoses to move the direction of the water. These were always present for the last fifty years. When I first saw that warning more recently, I thought it meant that there was some new chemical in the paint of the appliance. It would be a great paper in an undergraduate sociology course to a failure in legislation. Lawmakers try to hit one target for the trend and wind up applying in alot of other areas.
Katharine
Hi Corinne,
Thank you for all this terrific info.
You seem to recommend “Without a Prop 65 Warning: JEREMY CASS 125 pt. 8,500 sq.ft. Commercial Grade Dehumidifier with Pump.”
1) Is the link still linking to the product you recommend? The brand in the link is Edendirect, and I don’t see anything about “Jeremy Cass”…
2) Have you or other chemically sensitive folks tested out the Edendirect product in the link for how often it tends to provoke reactions in the chemically sensitive?
3) Do you have any thoughts on what to look for in a dehumidifier so that the dehumidifier itself is less likely to grow mold inside it (since it’s always wet and impossible to clean in there)?
Thanks so much!
Angelina
Thank you for this article. I switched from a gas range to an induction range w electric oven in order to avoid the gas which I could smell every time we turned on the oven. I am now stunned that every time I turn on the electric oven. I found out that the new range has a prop 65 warning, but without much information about what the warning is for. I get a sore throat and a headache, the oven must be covered with some chemical. Do you have more information about electric ovens in ranges.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there is some offgassing to ovens at first, you’re probably just reacting to that.
Angelina
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for reassuring me! So good to know.
Angela Garcia
honey stick to the old 50s stoves
Angela Garcia
vintage or made entirely in USA will have the least cancer causing it’s mostly china made
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would not go with a vintage stove – asbestos, lead, mercury, and unless someone is super EMF sensitive and not very MCS sensitive gas is worse. It doesnt matter where it’s made as long as it’s a legit company but the newer the better as things like flame retardants have improved. older ovens might have PCBs and so on.
Angela Garcia
no way, my stove is porcelain and steel, if anything possibly from the metal nothing compared to what’s made today everything is so full of chemical synthetic made of other forms of chemicals on top of other chemicals toxic horrific most of the things that were made from the 50s, the stoves are pure not synthetic and they’re not made in China. What stove brands are completely manufactured in USA? That don’t cost 5,000 bucks
Kaly
This is dreamy wishful thinking. There were less regulations on manufacturing in the 50s—that is also when you went to your Dr. and he was smoking cigarettes in his office while talking with you—it is unknown to me, but highly likely that there are toxic chemicals in that steel (an alloy) and/or the porcelain paint which maybe off-gasses when heated. Not to mention the gas fumes pouring out during cooking. I got rid of my restored 1941 Wedgewood last year, replaced with induction electric. Very happy my family is no longer breathing gas fumes.
ann
I am looking for new table lamps for bedroom and seems just about all them have a Prop warning 🙁 I finally found one that doesn’t but just curious how dangerous it would be if they do have the warning?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I can’t say how harmful it is, especially without knowing what chemicals the warning is for and where they are. This article goes over common prop 65 chemicals in appliances some of those are relevant to lamps
Tova
hello, I have a vissani dehumidifier with the p65 warning label attached. can you tell me if it’s a significant risk to have it running in my basement apartment?
thank you.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
you’ll have to ask them what the warning is for and this article goes over the most common prop 65 chemicals
Monica B
Which stove would be the safest to buy? Without so many harmful chemicals?
Thank you,
Monica
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if you mean stove and oven combined there are two brands in the article.
if you are chemically sensitive there is more info here https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/03/non-toxic-kitchen-appliances-for.html
Angela Garcia
a vintage 50s style gas stove they’re gorgeous too and cheaper than these new cancer boxes
Leah Kostoplos
What two slice toasters do you recommend?
thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I haven’t looked at toasters much, though when i did look into them I decided not to include them in the article on non toxic toaster ovens because all of them looked fine to me.
SG
Hello, sorry if this question is on the wrong blog post but I bought a new dishwasher and just had it installed. I did my research and hopefully avoided the Bitumen insulation – yay!
What’s the best way to clean a brand new dishwasher’s interior before you start using it regularly?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
please share which exact model you got because there’s a big discussion on the post on appliances for the chemically sensitive and many people are struggling to find one without bitumen.
as for cleaning if it’s a plastic interior this will help https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2024/01/how-to-get-rid-of-that-new-fridge-smell-offgassing.html
SG
I will try to find the exact model number! It has a stainless steel interior, any cleaning tips?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes in the article i linked to
SG
I purchased a Maytag dishwasher model #MDB4949SKZ. I went to the Whirlpool.com customer service chat feature to ask if the appliance uses Bitumen for the insulation and the response I got back was, “The insulation blanket is made of polyester fiber insulation blanket or fiberglass blanket.” I *did not* do any further verification beyond this but would encourage anyone considering this model to do so! The interior is stainless steel which I really wanted and after using it for a few days, it’s way more quiet than the builder-grade plastic tub GE dishwasher we had! It is Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel which I don’t love but I got most of what I was looking for!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Thanks for sharing
Jill T
Have you seen any faucet brands without the prop 65 warning?
Corinne Segura
There is an article on faucets that are 100% lead free, but I don’t look for prop 65 warnings as I don’t find them that useful.
Kristine
Hello
I see your recommendation for toaster ovens. Do you have a recommendation for a simple toaster?
Cynthia
Thank you for the info. Have you found any food steamers without the prop 65 warning? Having such a hard time finding one.
Joan
I’m having trouble finding a record player without a California warning. Do you know any brands of record players without it?
Thanks!
Rosaria Mercado
Is there a dishwasher brand you suggest? I know mueller was on the list as non prop warning but wondering if anyone know another one? Or can suggest one of the list that is safe?
Corinne
yes in the post on non toxic appliances for the chemically sensitive.
Corinne
or if you’re just looking for one without prop 65 everything I have is in this list
Lindy Rivera
Have you found a dehumidifier without the warning? I’m having
Trouble finding one. Any you’d recommend?
Corinne
I found one dehumidifier, just added that category to the post
Kay Cox
The one I had was for 50 pints. Do you find any in that size? I need one.
Greener4Them
Have you found a reasonably priced glass food processor without the prop 65?
Corinne
the best way to search is on the home depot site and make sure you are either in California or use a VPN so the site thinks you’re in California so you can see the warning.