California Prop 65 Warning
At Noriega Furniture, Inc. we take the safety and health of our employees and our customers very seriously. As a family-owned business operating in California, we have always protected the health of our associates and the environment, not because of any law or award or recognition, but because it is the right thing to do. We strive each day to be known not only for our beautiful furniture but for our integrity in how we conduct business.
A small amount of wood dust, brass, PVC or other elements on furniture and household items might seem trivial to many. The state of California, however, has taken the issue of ingredients in consumer products to a whole new level with its Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, known as “Proposition 65.”
Originally, the proposition was intended to protect drinking water sources from chemical contamination. Over the years, however, the scope of the law has exploded. As the Los Angeles Times wrote recently, “Warnings (about Proposition 65) are everywhere: parking lots, hardware stores, hospitals and just about any decent-sized business.”
Proposition 65 requires warning labels on products that may contain any of 800-plus chemicals or ingredients that the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) lists as a carcinogen or a reproductive toxicant. These include wood dust, brass and a multitude of other everyday elements.
Many of the elements listed under Proposition 65 are common everyday additives found in products such as jewelry, lamps, ceramic tableware, lead crystal glasses, electric cords, automobiles, beauty products and furniture.
Because there is always a chance that wood dust or some other of the hundreds of ingredients listed in Proposition 65 could potentially be on our furniture or packing materials, we must include Proposition 65 warnings on our products or risk large fines under this law in California. In addition, we are required to use the exact wording for this warning specified by California: “This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
While the warning label is only required for items sold to California, Noriega Furniture, is a dealer for multiple manufactures. For this reason, it is also important for our dealers to leave these warning labels on the furniture when shipping to customers in California.
We realize that this warning sounds very alarming. Noriega Furniture, is committed to making beautiful, quality furniture. We are also committed to our employees, associates and customers as a responsible importer of furniture. Be assured that we do everything possible to prevent harmful chemicals from coming into contact with you and your family.