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What is Proposition 65? - Ask the Expert Episode 143
Duration: 2:00
Have you ever seen that sticker on something you own that makes reference to Proposition 65? What does it mean anyway?
Video Script:
The question comes from Felicia. "Hey Dan, is the Proposition 65 label on some products related to circulating air or jus the physical container if you touch it? How would one be exposed to lead?"
Proposition 65 is a California law that requires a warning label for any products with a cancer-causing substance. It could be anything. For example: Was this made in a facility with lead in it? Or is there lead in the control board? It's really strict.
She is specifically asking about a ductless heat pump. So, in this unit, so to answer your question, no. There's not going to be any lead circulating in the air. There is no danger of lead when you touch it. The only way you're going to get lead is if you break open the unit, rip out the control board and you eat it. But barring you becoming someone who eats metal, I think you would be OK.
Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter.
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My new Hurricane portable fan has the P65 warning. Could the problem be within the blades that move the air and thus emit the toxic chemical into the air? Also, should the manufacturer know why their product has this warning?
The Prop 65 warning is placed on any item that may contain any chemicals that are potentially hazardous. Usually, that means that some of the internal components may have come in contact with or have been made with lead. The fan should not pose any sort of danger unless you open it and start handling and or/consuming the internal components outside of normal use. Using the system as directed should not be dangerous, and the air coming out of the system should not be of any concern.
I’m also one who brought a portable air conditioner cooler p65 label concern chemical and lead and scared to use the this product and how concern should I be?
It should not. The Prop 65 warning is placed on any items that might contain any chemicals that are potentially hazardous. With HVAC products, that normally means that some of the internal components may have come in contact with or have been made with lead. The unit should not pose any sort of danger unless you open the system and start handling and or/consuming the internal components. Using the system as directed should not be dangerous, and the air coming out of the system should not be of any concern.
I bought a Comfort Zone window fan, and now I'm afraid to use it because it has a Proposition 65 warning. What is the danger in using this fan?
That's a general warning that means the product may have been created with chemicals linked to cancer. When this warning is on a unit, it is extremely general, and typically you will be fine unless you are ingesting parts of your unit.
Hi Dan,
I’m going to install a MR Cool DIY on an interior 6” wall. This will require that the line set be routed upward into the attic space and then over to the condenser. I’ve already watched your video on the recommended caution when bending a line set at 90 degrees, so I’ll be very careful when creating small radius bend.
My question is about how to connect the Mr Cool condensate tube to the 3/4” pvc drain line that will be pre installed into the 6” interior wall.
If you are routing the line set bundle upward and keeping the condensate drain alongside it, it will require a condensate pump to properly function. The best way to connect the tube and the drain line is to ensure there is a seal. You can contact us at 270-575-9595 for the best help in this process.
I purchased my home and I found the Rheem AC installed with the warning cancer label on it. I freaked out and I am truly concerned about it. I am thinking about replacing it even though it works well. Please advise. Thank you.
Any HVAC system that you purchase will likely have that or a similar warning, because some internal components may have been made with or in a factory harboring toxic materials. The only harm that could come to you by it is if you open up the system and ingest or incorrectly handle the internal components, the latter of which only a certified HVAC professional is qualified to do. If the system functions normally and you don't interact with the internal components, you should be fine.
I’m interested in a place I’m moving the owner installed a new furnace and it has the prop 65 on it will it cause me and my children problems as the heat comes out of there
It should not. The Prop 65 warning is placed on any items that might contain any chemicals that are potentially hazardous. With HVAC products, that normally means that some of the internal components may have come in contact with or have been made with lead. The unit should not pose any sort of danger unless you open the system and start handling and or/consuming the internal components. Using the system as directed should not be dangerous, and the air coming out of the system should not be of any concern.
I had a Rheem HVAC system installed that has Prop 65. Is this just the lead internal amd should I not be concerned?
I would not be concerned.
What about the WooZoo Fan. It looks like an amazing product but.... the “WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov” is very concerning! ?♀️
You should take all Proposition 65 warnings with a grain of salt. As long as you don't rip open the fan and eat the internal components or melt them and rub them on your skin or do any other crazy thing, it is HIGHLY unlikely you're going to get cancer from a fan blowing air on you.
I just purchased a WooZoo globe fan with a remote. The outside box has written on it P65 Warning. How does this warning pertain to this fan? Is it safe use?
It's most likely perfectly safe. It probably has some internal component made of some potentially hazardous substance. Don't eat any of the metal and you're probably okay.
I had a bookcase with the warning I was going to make into a house/shelf for my cat and ended up throwing it away because I thought coming in contact with it would cause her to get cancer or maybe even I would.
If we touch a wooden cabinet with a prop 65 warning on it can it affect my twenty something daughters when it comes time to have children?
Who can say for sure? Best not just to be safe.
Hi, I've been very concerned about these portable air conditioners that have a prop65 warning.. Specifically an LG brand and a frigidaire brand portable AC, which I already bought. There is no specifics about the chemical(s) that may be carcinogens or that cause reproductive organ problems. I'm having a hard time finding portable ACs withour prop 65 labels. How concerned should I really be????
Most Prop 65 warnings on HVAC products that we've seen have to do with lead. This is due to the lead used on the internal components. None of those internal components are going to be dangerous to you unless you open up the HVAC unit and start handling and/or consuming them. There is virtually no danger to using the product as intended.
So products with prop 65 labels dont really expose you to the chemichals unless you eat them? I've gotten many things with the warning because its just impossible to avoid buying some things with the warning.
It depends on the product. All I know is that a ductless mini-split isn't going to expose anybody to lead unless that person does some really crazy stuff (that would void the warranty).
I was going to install wallpaper which has a proposition 65 warning due to Titanium dioxide . Will having this on the walls cause harm to my family?
Don't eat the wallpaper.