(Press Release)
The below is a statement from Vision Council:
As you may recall, The Vision Council reported in May 2015 that the State of California “relisted” BpA on its Prop 65 list of substances known to the state to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive toxicity. The chemical is of note to members of the optical industry because it is used as a starting material in the manufacture of polycarbonate.
Effective May 11, 2016, the enforcement of BpA will go into effect in California as it relates to the Proposition (“Prop”) 65 regulation. To assist members and their partner retailers with the BpA labeling requirements, The Vision Council has created the California Proposition 65 – BpA Labeling Guide as a resource for our members. Please note that not complying with California Proposition 65 requirements may result in financial penalties/fines.
Prop 65 compliance should be viewed as a joint responsibility of product supplier and their retail partner organizations. We hope that the BpA Labeling Guide is a helpful new resource for members of The Vision Council and their retail partners. This guide was developed to provide details on both the consumer and occupational labeling requirements as they relate to the addition of BpA to the list of chemicals requiring Proposition 65 related notifications. This labeling guide is to be used in conjunction with the February 2016 Guide to Prop 65 for Ophthalmic Suppliers.
The Vision Council does not and cannot guarantee legal compliance for your particular product and makes no such guarantee, and you must not rely on these “guides” as an alternative to obtaining advice from your attorney.
Please visit The Vision Council’s website to learn more about California Prop 65, and contact Rick Van Arnam, The Vision Council Regulatory Council, or Jason McElvaney, The Vision Council Government and Regulatory Affairs Liaison, with any questions. For technical inquiries, contact Michael Vitale, The Vision Council’s Technical Director & Lens Division Liaison. Updates will be distributed to members of The Vision Council as more information becomes available on this important issue.