Intertek's Product Evaluation Services for California’s Proposition 65
14 Mar 2008
Product analysis and risk mitigation services for California Proposition 65
Intertek (www.intertek.com) offers complete product evaluation services for California Proposition 65 compliance. With a focus on procurement agreements/supply chain management, data collection and verification, risk assessment, material replacement and traceable documentation, Intertek's Product Evaluation services provide a comprehensive approach to protecting clients from Prop 65 prosecution.
“Since its enactment in 1986, Prop 65 has evolved into one of the most enforced legislative requirements for material content in consumer products. As great as the concern has been over EU RoHS and related penalties, enforcement actions for Prop 65 are not only more common, but generally carried out more quickly and at a greater cost,” explains Bruce Calder, General Manager for Intertek's Health and Environmental business unit. “With nearly 1,000 Proposition 65 legal actions per year, having average settlements in excess of $100K USD, companies are turning to Intertek for support.”
Intertek's Prop 65 product evaluation services provide a detailed analysis of a company’s products; analysis of potential Prop 65 exposure; and reviews and provides recommendations for managing risk within the company’s supply chain.
Intertek's product analysis and testing services for Prop 65 include:
1. Toxicologist Risk Assessment & Test Recommendation
- In-depth product review by a certified toxicologist in relation to Prop 65
- Review of supplier MSDS sheets
- Development of clearly defined test protocol for lab technicians
- Written testing protocol recommended for:
- High-risk substances
- Leaching & concentration
2. Product Testing
- Testing for high risk substances (heavy metals & phthalates) per written protocol from toxicologist
- Completed in a certified laboratory
- Detailed preliminary written lab report confirming test protocols followed and results, per product
- Includes substances identified, allowable ppm limits vs. actual concentration found
3. Prop 65 Guidance Report
- In-depth review of written preliminary lab results by a certified toxicologist
- Detailed conclusive written report including;
- Products tested, intended use and life expectancy
- Testing methods used
- Quantity of chemicals identified
- Exposure analysis
- Chemical content level comparison with safe harbor limits established by State of California
- Written final summary and additional recommendations (if any)
Intertek's experts work with companies to analyze the chemical content of products, assess their particular risks and exposure, and provide strategies for meeting their specific obligations under Prop 65. A Project Manager is assigned to each client in order to optimize the coordination of activities tailored to meet each company’s specific requirements.
California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) is enforced by the California Attorney General’s Office (in addition to district attorneys or city attorneys); however, lawsuits with regards to Proposition 65 non-compliance can be filed by individuals acting on behalf of the public interest. Defendants have 60 days, from the notice of an alleged violation, to comply or face possible legal action which includes fines of up to $2500 per day per violation. Most lawsuits are resolved in settlements with agreements to reformulate the product in violation and/or add the required hazard warning.
For more information contact:
Joel Pekay
Global Marketing and Business Development Director
Telephone: 630-481-3126
Email: joel.pekay@intertek.com
About Intertek Health & Environmental Services (www.intertek.com/green)
Intertek Health & Environmental Services offers the complete solution for global, regional, or local compliance, providing sound traceability systems and strict enforcement of due diligence policies. Intertek does more than simply help our clients comply, we give them the competitive advantage they desire. Our Services offer comprehensive solutions for RoHS, Restricted Substances, CPSIA, REACH, California Proposition 65, Carbon Management, and Greenhouse Gas reduction, including on-call consulting, testing and analysis, legal representation, certification, and corporate education appropriate for all types and levels of business. Intertek Health & Environmental Services is a leader in global environmental compliance, consulting, technology services and product stewardship.
About Intertek (www.intertek.com)
Intertek (ITRK.L) is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace. Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 100 countries around the world.