On January 3, 2025, vinyl acetate was added to the Prop 65 list as a carcinogen. Vinyl acetate is a synthetic chemical, and a colorless liquid with a sweet, fruity smell. In its Evidence on the Carcinogenicity of Vinyl Acetate, OEHHA commented that “[v]inyl acetate-based polymers are used in adhesives and glues, paints, paper coatings, textile and leather finishing, plastics and resins, inks and lacquers, heat sealing films, pesticides, and cosmetics,” and that vinyl acetate and vinyl-acetate based polymers have been approved as food additives.    

Companies should keep in mind that the warning requirement under Prop 65 for exposure to vinyl acetate can be enforced starting in January 2026, and would be well-advised to start considering compliance measures as soon as possible.

More information on the listing of vinyl acetate can be found here.