Read the AQUALAB 3 FAQ's

Are AQUALAB products safe?

What is Prop 65?

In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to help them make informed decisions about the products they buy. That initiative became known as Proposition 65. Proposition 65 requires the state of California to publish a list of chemicals known to cause cancer/ reproductive harm. You can learn more about Prop 65 here.  

Why do AQUALAB products have a Prop 65 warning?

AQUALAB is required by California law to post a warning on any product that might be sold in California if it contains or might contain one of the more than 900 chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm. Because consumers learn about our products from our website, we are required to post these warnings on the product web pages as well. California residents are used to seeing these notifications on many products, including household items, electrical wires, electronics, jewelry, dishes, flashlights, cosmetics, skincare products, and much more. People who live outside the state of California may be surprised and alarmed by these notifications. It is important to know that nearly all electronic products require the notification label even though the chemicals involved may only be potentially harmful when eaten in large quantities.  

Are AQUALAB products safe?

A Prop 65 warning does not necessarily mean a product is in violation of any product safety standards or requirements. Because AQUALAB sources manufacturing materials from other suppliers, we provide the warning in order to acknowledge that AQUALAB products may contain one or more of the chemicals listed. However, it’s likely that those chemicals are in such small amounts that they fall into the no-significant-risk category. To be safe and compliant, we have elected to label all product web pages and packaging with this warning.

What types of chemicals are on the list?

You can find a list of Prop 65 chemicals here.

How can I minimize moisture migration in hygroscopic products during sampling?

 

The best approach is to put the water activity instrument and the sample into controlled humidity conditions. Use a glove box, or get the sample inside the chamber as quickly as possible to prevent water uptake from the environment. With an instrument that maintains the seal in the chamber, it’s possible to perform consecutive readings. But if the instrument requires pulling out the sample to take a new reading, the water activity will continually change as the sample takes up more and more moisture.

Is the whole tablet measurement of value?

 

It depends if the tablet is non-coated or coated. If the coating material can absorb water, there is a critical water activity where the coating material will begin to break down. Thus, if monitoring that aspect of the product, then reading the water activity of a whole tablet would be important.

Would you recommend breaking up a tablet with a mortar and pestle?

 

A mortar and pestle is a valuable tool for sample preparation because it breaks things apart without being too excessive. You can achieve the same effect with a coffee grinder or food processor, but use only a couple of quick pulses. Process just enough to break the sample apart without grinding it.

Related software downloads