A:Answer Hi Vincent, The warning in your Use and Care Guide is printed in order for Whirlpool Corporation to be in compliance with California state law. In the State of California there exists what is referred to "Proposition 65." Proposition 65 is the California Safe Drinking and Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Any company that operates in California, sells its products in California or manufactures products that may be sold or brought into California is subject to Proposition 65. Since our products are sold in California, Proposition 65 applies to us.
Proposition 65 requires warning labels on any product that may contain or produce any of the 600-plus elements that the California Air Resources Board considers carcinogenic or a reproductive toxicant. These elements include lead (contained in the solder used to attach electronic parts to the printed circuit boards), brass, PVC and a multitude of other everyday elements and gas products burn fuels (natural gas or propane) that contain trace levels of chemicals on the list. This list also contains a wide range of naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals, including common household products, foods, drugs, dyes and solvents.
Whirlpool is committed to manufacturing safe and high quality appliances, as we always have done. Should any product contain or produce even the slightest amounts of chemicals on the list, even when accepted and regulated concentrations are not exceeded, Whirlpool will liberally warn consumers even though we fully comply with the Act.
