Regulatory Compliance

What is California Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 is “Right-to-Know” legislation intended to protect the public from exposure to certain substances that are suspected to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Information about Proposition 65 can be found via the following link: Proposition 65 Frequently Asked Questions

Proposition 65 applies to products sold in or imported into the State of California that contain one or more listed substances, and where public exposure to the substance(s) could be expected to exceed certain limits. There are currently more than 900 substances listed under the California Proposition 65 list.

Why was DINP added to the Proposition 65 List?

DINP was added to the Proposition 65 list at the end of 2013 based on a series of animal studies indicating that relatively high doses of DINP can cause tumors in rodents. However, this finding is not supported by extensive scientific data and analysis conducted by industry, the American Chemical Council, and multiple regulatory bodies in the USA, EU and Australia who recently found no relationship between DINP exposure and cancer in humans. No published studies of carcinogenic effects on humans were found.

DINP and Vintex products

In 2009, Vintex moved away from all phthalates (including DINP) in all our V-Care and SoffTICK healthcare formulations but we continue to use DINP (DINP Plasticizer – More Information) as a plasticizer in a number of formulations in our products such as:

• Athletic mats
• Ventilation ducting
• Material handling products

We expect that in most instances, the warning labels specified by Proposition 65 will not be required for vinyl-coated textiles formulated with DINP. Once the “safe harbor” limits are published (expected later in 2014) a more definitive answer will be provided.

Do I have to stop using products made with DINP?

No. California Proposition 65 does not prohibit the use of DINP in California. Depending on the application, the product may simply require a Proposition 65 warning label. Businesses supplying the California market can decide for themselves if they wish to continue to use products that contain DINP. Contact Vintex for more information on alternatives.

Do I have to put a Proposition 65 warning label on my product?

Maybe. For products that contain DINP, the regulation comes into effect in December 2014. The regulation is not based on DINP content, but on the DINP exposure to the public that would be expected to result from normal uses of the product. At this time, the acceptable exposure limit is not known, but there are indications that this information will be available in late 2014. However, until this information is published, and until manufacturers conduct the exposure estimates, there is no way to know for certain if warning labeling will be required. Vintex is working with our suppliers and with industry organizations to better understand the full implications of Proposition 65 on the use of DINP in flexible vinyl products. For more information, please view

Paul Hruska Manager – Regulatory Compliance
Vintex Inc.