The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHAA) added vinyl acetate to the Proposition 65 list of carcinogens. Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings before exposing individuals to chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. OEHAA must update the list of chemicals covered by Proposition 65 at least annually.  

Beginning December 19, 2025, companies must display Proposition 65 warnings for vinyl acetate. Notably, OEHHA has not yet established a safe harbor level, which would exempt businesses below the threshold from Proposition 65 labeling requirements, for vinyl acetate.   

Vinyl acetate may be used during the manufacturing process for a diverse array of product categories, including adhesives, coatings, textiles, paints, packaging, and paper. This December letter from OEHHA provides guidance on how businesses should evaluate vinyl acetate exposures from their products.  

ISPA suggests that its members evaluate their products to determine if the new Proposition 65 requirements for vinyl acetate affect them.