California’s Prop 65 and Gallium Arsenide Public Health Concerns

LA Testing provides analytical services to protect the public and help businesses comply with California’s Proposition 65.
 
Garden Grove, CA, September 8th, 2011
 
In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address increasing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. That initiative, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is better known by its original name of Proposition 65. 
 
Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals in the products they purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment.  This list includes gallium arsenide (GaAs), a compound made up of the elements gallium and arsenic.
 
Gallium arsenide is used as a type of semiconductor in the manufacturing of some types of integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes, solar cells and other devices.  GaAs is often utilized because it has some electronic properties that are superior to widely used silicon. 
 
“In 2004, the IARC classified gallium arsenide as carcinogenic to humans,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading indoor air quality (IAQ) and industrial hygiene testing laboratory.  “The American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) also classified GaAs as an A3 confirmed animal carcinogen.  Workers that manufacture semiconductors, transistors, solar cells, lasers, LEDs and other electronics may be exposed to this material.  Routes of exposure may include inhalation and ingestion.  The ACGIH has published a TLV for gallium arsenide and monitoring for gallium arsenide exposure for at risk workers can help prevent needless health risks,” he continued.
 
LA Testing provides testing services for gallium arsenide and other potentially toxic materials used in manufacturing.  To learn more about Proposition 65 testing services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc. dba LA Testing

(1) 8002203675

jfrasca@emsl.com