The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) will host a two-part webinar entitled “California Proposition 65—1986 to Today: What You Need to Know Even after All These Years” on January 29 and February 5, beginning at 1 pm EST each day.

California’s Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (or, more simply, Prop 65), is a “right to know” law broadly addressing exposures to chemicals on the Prop 65 list. Enforcement primarily targets consumer goods, including textile products, sold or distributed in California. There are currently 850+ chemicals listed as “known by the State of California” to be carcinogens or reproductive toxins under Prop 65 including heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, bisphenol A and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Prop 65 is enforced exclusively by civil lawsuits, which may be filed by public authorities or by any private person acting “in the public interest.” Failure to comply with Prop 65 can lead to steep fines, significant business disruption and negative brand impact on your company. Aside from potential direct liability for failure to comply with this law, indirect liability may result if a downstream customer is sued for failure to comply: in such circumstances, the targeted customer may tender a demand for defense and indemnity to its suppliers. Accordingly, all entities in the supply chain should become familiar with this law’s requirements and understand their obligations under this law.

The webinars are free to ATA members. The webinars are $100 for a single session and $150 for both sessions for nonmembers.

The webinars will be taught by Renee M. Kalmes, principal specialists at Exponent Engineering and Scientific Consulting, and Ann Grimaldi, principal at Grimaldi Law Offices.