California's Proposition 65: extrapolating animal toxicity to humans

In 1986, the voters of California passed a law regarding the concept of extrapolating animal toxicity data to humans. The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, known as Proposition 65, does five things: 1. It creates a list of chemicals (including a number of agricultural chemicals) known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity; 2. It limits discharges of listed chemicals to drinking water sources; 3. It requires prior warning before exposure to listed chemicals by anyone in the course of doing business; 4. It creates a list of chemicals requiring testing for carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity; and 5. It requires the Governor to consult with qualified experts (a 12-member "Scientific Advisory Panel" was appointed) as necessary to carry out his duties. This paper discusses the details and implications of this proposition. Areas of responsibility have been assigned. The definition of significant risk is being addressed.