Proposition 65 Warning Label on Washing Machines

June 17, 2013, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Andie

Hi, need a new washer and all of them have the CA Prop 65 (toxic chemical exposures to consumer). Is there ANY way to avoid these chemicals, while doing laundry? Thank you!! 

Debra's Answer

This is the second question about Prop 65 this week! First read Q&A: Breville Glass Kettle and California Proposition 65 Warning about Proposition 65.

I found some posts online that said that products can be required to display the warning if there is lead in the power cord, even if there is no other toxic exposure.

There was one post where a reader asked specifically about what part of the Kenmore clothes water is a concern under Proposition 65.

The answer from the manufacturer was "lead (contained in the solder used to attach electronic parts to the printed circuit boards), brass, PVC and a multitude of other everyday materials that contain trace levels of chemicals on the list."

Lead in the solder and PVC in the drain system of the washer will not come in contact with your laundry. So the Proposition 65 label probably does not contain any toxic chemicals you or your laundry would be exposed to while washing your clothes.

This is a perfect example of how Proposition 65 is not helpful. If we are going to have toxic products on the market we need correct warning labels. Better yet is no toxic chemicals, no warning labels.