Why am I being warned about potential exposure to chemicals in apartments and residential rental properties?
- Some chemicals that may be found in apartments and residential rental properties are on the Proposition 65 list for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
- California's Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people before exposing them to a significant amount of a chemical listed under Proposition 65 for cancer or reproductive toxicity.
Apartments and residential rental properties can expose you to chemicals on the Proposition 65 list. These properties include rental apartments, condominiums, and houses.
APARTMENTS AND
RESIDENTIAL
RENTAL PROPERTIES
- It is difficult to generalize about chemical exposures in apartments and residential rental properties because each place is different. Many properties do not cause chemical exposures and do not require Proposition 65 warnings.
- When you rent an apartment or residential property, you may see a Proposition 65 warning in your rental agreement, or in a letter or e-mail, and you may receive one annually from your building owner or manager.
- If a warning is provided, it should state the names of one or more chemicals on the premises, and identify how or where you might be exposed to these chemicals.
Examples of Proposition 65-listed chemicals you may be exposed to in apartments and residential rental properties include:
- Formaldehyde in some building materials, including some insulation, composite-wood cabinetry, and wall and flooring materials.
- Carbon monoxide from any fireplaces or unvented gas space heaters.
- Lead from pre-1997 vinyl imported mini-blinds, or from plumbing materials or paint chips in older buildings.
- Asbestos in ceiling materials, if disturbed, in older buildings.
- Some pesticides for indoor or outdoor use that are on the Proposition 65 list.
Other chemical exposures that can occur at apartments or other residential rental properties include:
- Carbon monoxide and motor vehicle exhaust in enclosed parking structures.
- Tobacco smoke and nicotine in designated smoking areas.
During pregnancy, some of these Proposition 65-listed chemicals can pass from mother to baby.
How can I reduce my potential exposure to these chemicals in apartments and residential rental properties?
- Ask your building owner or manager if you have questions about any Proposition 65 warning you receive. Ask about exposure to any other Proposition 65 chemicals on the premises that may not be named in the warning.
- Where possible, choose apartments and residential rental properties that are smoke-free and nicotine-free. Avoid spending time in designated smoking areas on the premises.
- When you use enclosed parking facilities, stay no longer than necessary.
- To help reduce your exposure to some Proposition 65-listed chemicals:
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food, and before eating.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
- Wipe up dust regularly, using a damp cloth.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources:
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Agency - California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR)
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
