California Proposition 65 requires businesses to inform customers when their products or packaging expose customers to a list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

On Amazon, our nation's largest online seller and practically a household name, ALL of the products I viewed had the label 'WARNING: California's Proposition 65', and described how the packaging and labeling could expose the customer to toxic chemicals included in California's Proposition 65, namely Bisphenol S (BPS). This chemical is known to cause cancer and reproductive harm through ingestion, inhalation, and physical contact. Now, I can't possibly investigate every single item on Amazon, but from the numerous products I clicked on, I could clearly see that a large majority, if not all, of packaging sold on Amazon involve the use of this harmful, unsafe chemical known to cause reproductive harm. 

Amazon needs to change this practice and switch over to another alternative in order to keep their customers safe. No one wants to handle packages like that, including the numerous Amazon employees and couriers who deliver these toxic parcels to your doorstep. They are constantly being exposed to these chemicals, as are we, in the times we regularly tear open Amazon's cardboard box, bubble wrap, and labels. 

One of the most concerning aspects of this issue is that Amazon refuses to address the issue and explain why they use Bisphenol S in their packaging and labeling. I contacted customer service and they completely avoided answering my questions about the use of BPS in packaging. At the very least, they should be transparent to the public about the concentrations of BPS in labeling and packaging, how to minimize exposure, and their reason for continuing to use that chemical.

To demonstrate the scale of the issue, let me pose a question.

How often do you order and receive products from Amazon? Millions of people are largely reliant on this platform for basic goods and necessities, including myself. We need Amazon to prohibit the use of BPS in their packaging known to cause cancer and reproductive harm in order to protect ourselves and each other. 

Here's a challenge: go onto Amazon and click on five random products. Use Control/Command + F and search 'California'. If you are a California resident, Amazon will be required to post the Prop 65 warning. Click on the words 'WARNING'. See it for yourself, then click 'Sign Petition'.

Additional Information:

Article explains how BPS induces reproductive harm. https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/crnr/bisphenol-s-bps-added-proposition-65-list-following-2023-meeting-developmental

Article explains how BPS has been linked to breast cancer. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7710764/#:~:text=Data%20from%20preclinical%20studies%20suggest,considers%20as%20safe%20for%20consumption