California Proposition 65 Warning

Last updated: September 1, 2026

1. What is Proposition 65?

Proposition 65 (formally titled the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) is a California law that requires the State of California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This list, which must be updated at least once a year, has grown to include over 900 chemicals since it was first published in 1987.

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians before they are exposed to chemicals from the products they purchase, the buildings they enter, or the facilities in which they work. The purpose of these warnings is to allow Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals.

2. Why Do We Provide This Warning?

PawUrnCo is committed to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including Proposition 65. We provide this warning out of an abundance of caution and in compliance with California law, even though our products are designed and crafted with safety in mind.

Our products are made from natural materials, including leather and wood. The processes used to treat, finish, and color these materials may involve or result in trace amounts of certain chemicals that appear on the Proposition 65 list. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Leather products: Leather tanning and finishing processes may involve chromium (specifically hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI)), formaldehyde, certain dyes and pigments, and other chemicals used in the leather production process. While our leather suppliers are required to meet strict safety standards, trace amounts of these chemicals may be present.
• Wood products: Wood finishing, staining, and sealing processes may involve formaldehyde (found in some wood adhesives and finishes), certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals used in wood treatment and finishing.
• Brass and metal components: Brass name plates and hardware may contain lead, brass, or other metals that appear on the Proposition 65 list.
• Packaging materials: Some packaging materials may contain trace amounts of chemicals on the Proposition 65 list.

3. What Does This Mean for You?

A Proposition 65 warning does not necessarily mean that a product is unsafe or that exposure to the product will cause harm. The warning is required when a business determines that exposure to a listed chemical may occur, even at levels below those that are generally considered safe by regulatory standards. Proposition 65 warnings are based on a "no known safe level" standard for many chemicals, which means that warnings may be provided even for very low levels of exposure.

Our products are intended for normal, intended use as decorative and memorial items. The potential for exposure to Proposition 65-listed chemicals from our products under normal use is expected to be very low. However, to minimize any potential exposure, we recommend the following:

• Wash your hands after handling leather products, especially before eating or touching your face
• Keep products out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not put leather or wood products in your mouth or allow children to chew on them
• Use products in well-ventilated areas, especially when first unboxing
• Do not use products for purposes other than their intended use (e.g., do not use urns for food storage)
• Follow the care instructions provided with your product

4. Our Commitment to Safety and Transparency

At PawUrnCo, the safety and well-being of our customers is of utmost importance to us. We are committed to:

• Sourcing responsibly: We work with suppliers who share our commitment to safety and compliance, and we require our suppliers to provide information about the materials and chemicals used in our products.
• Using safer alternatives: Where feasible, we seek out and use materials and processes that reduce or eliminate the use of Proposition 65-listed chemicals. We continuously evaluate our supply chain and production processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Providing clear information: We believe in transparency and are committed to providing our customers with clear, accurate information about our products, including any potential chemical exposures.
• Compliance with all laws: We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Proposition 65, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), and other relevant safety standards.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Prop 65 warning mean your products are dangerous?

No. A Proposition 65 warning does not mean a product is dangerous or that it will cause harm. It means that the product may expose the user to a chemical that the State of California has identified as potentially causing cancer or reproductive harm. The warning threshold for many chemicals is set at a very low level, and warnings may be provided even for exposures that are generally considered safe by other regulatory standards.

Are your products safe to use in my home?

Yes. Our products are designed for normal, intended use as decorative and memorial items in residential settings. Under normal use conditions, the potential for exposure to Proposition 65-listed chemicals is expected to be very low. We follow all applicable safety standards and regulations, and we recommend following the care and use instructions provided with your product.

Why do some products have warnings and others don't?

Proposition 65 warnings are provided based on a product-by-product assessment of potential chemical exposure. Products made from different materials or using different processes may have different warning requirements. We provide warnings on all products that may require them under California law, out of an abundance of caution.

Can I still use your products if I'm pregnant or have children?

Our products are designed for normal, intended use as decorative items. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have young children, we recommend taking common-sense precautions such as washing your hands after handling products, keeping products out of reach of children, and using products in well-ventilated areas. If you have specific concerns about chemical exposure during pregnancy, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.

Do you test your products for Proposition 65 chemicals?

We work with our suppliers to obtain information about the materials and chemicals used in our products, and we may conduct additional testing where appropriate. We continuously evaluate our products and supply chain to ensure compliance with Proposition 65 and other applicable regulations.

6. More Information

For more information about Proposition 65, including the list of chemicals, warning requirements, and consumer guidance, please visit the following resources:

• California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) — Proposition 65 Warnings Website
• OEHHA Proposition 65 Main Page
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Proposition 65 warning, our products, or our compliance efforts, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Email: [email protected]