"Gov. Jerry Brown said Tuesday that he intends to change California's landmark consumer-safety law in an attempt to reduce frivolous lawsuits and give the public clearer information about toxic chemicals."

"Since voters approved Proposition 65 in 1986, the law has required the state to keep a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. When hazardous doses of those chemicals are present in products or workplaces, companies are required to notify the public, usually in the form of warning labels and signs. Failure to do so can result in a lawsuit.

Prop. 65 has helped spur the removal of toxicants from products found on store shelves, such as lead from candy and jewelry, and toluene, which causes birth defects, from many nail care products."

Stephanie M. Lee reports for the San Francisco Chronicle May 7, 2013. [2]