Candidate Chemical List Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many chemicals are on the informational Candidate Chemicals List?

The list contains ~1,100 grouped Candidate Chemicals, which includes group names and Candidate Chemicals that are not in a group. There are ~2,300 Candidate Chemicals if all Candidate Chemicals (regardless of the group association) are counted.

2. When does a Candidate Chemical become a Chemical of Concern?

A Candidate Chemical must be associated with a Priority Product before it can be referred to as a Chemical of Concern, pursuant to section 69503.5. This requires a public rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedure Act (commencing with Government Code section 11340).

3. What do I have to do if I manufacture a product that contains a Candidate Chemical?

DTSC's publication of the Informational Candidate Chemicals List imposes no requirements on manufacturers of products that contain Candidate Chemicals. The requirements to notify DTSC, conduct Alternatives Analyses, etc., only apply once a Candidate Chemical is designated as a Chemical of Concern – when it is the basis for a product being listed as a Priority Product pursuant to section 69503.5.

See "What Does this List Mean to Me?" for more details.

4. How were the hazard traits for the Candidate Chemicals identified?

DTSC identified hazard traits for Candidate Chemicals using the appropriate authoritative list (if available), or from related materials (e.g., fact sheets) produced by the authoritative organization.

DTSC has not performed an exhaustive search of reliable information to determine the hazard traits for each Candidate Chemical. Prior to proposing a Priority Product, DTSC must specify the hazard traits and/or environmental or toxicological endpoints known to be associated with those chemicals [section 69503.5(b)(2)(A)], which may include more or different hazard traits as those identified in the Informational Candidate Chemicals List.