It seems unlikely that we will have a full industry consensus on the language for Proposition 65 wood dust warning labels, as required by the State of California.

While the general consensus agrees on: “Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer,” there has been some discussion over whether it is necessary to include a second sentence: “Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection” on the label since Proposition 65 only requires that businesses post a warning, and does not specify that recommendations be provided for when using the product.

Wood dust has been listed as a cancer-causing agent on the Prop 65 list of chemicals since Dec. 18, 2009.

According to information provided by the Composite Panel Assn., the California Attorney General’s office is recommending the sentence “in order to make the warning ‘clear and reasonable.’”

The question is, does it make the manufacturer responsible for specify proper protective equipment type and training for proper use?
As a manufacturer, how far does your responsibility reach?

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