Effective January 3, 2025, vinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4) was listed as a Prop 65 carcinogen by the State’s Qualified Experts based on findings from the Carcinogen Identification Committee (CIC) meeting. The CIC based their evaluation on the October 2024 hazard identification document prepared by OEHHA. This document details OEHHA’s approach to a systematic literature review and assessment of the carcinogenic potential of vinyl acetate. This evaluation and assessment were completed after vinyl acetate was placed in the CIC’s “medium” priority group for future listing consideration in 2016.
Notably, vinyl acetate has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B carcinogen) by IARC in 1995 and as a Category 2 carcinogen by ECHA in 2011. Vinyl acetate is a synthetic chemical with a high production volume with many industrial, consumer, and personal care applications as well as is approved as a food additive for starches and chewing gum. Moreover, vinyl acetate has been detected in air, cigarette smoke, microwavable food packaging, carpet, building materials, water, soil, and sediment. Humans may, therefore, be exposed to vinyl acetate via foods and drinking water as well as via inhalation of contaminated air or by skin contact with contaminated products.
A no-significant risk level (NSRL) for vinyl acetate has not yet been derived and OEHHA has not indicated when an NSRL might be developed.
The full notice of the listing can be found at: Vinyl Acetate – OEHHA.
If you need assistance navigating the Prop 65 listing of vinyl acetate and potential labeling implications for your products, please reach out to info@h2compliance.com. We have extensive experience helping our clients navigate the complexities of Prop 65.
Published January 28, 2025
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