Wacky Warnings: What's with this?

Question

On my Christmas light set it says... WARNING: Handling the coated electrical wire on this product exposes you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Why is the State of California the only group that knows about this?

Answer 1

California isn't the only state the recognizes it, they are however the only (I believe?) state that requires it to be labeled on all the products sold in the state. This is due to Proposition 65.

In the State of California there exists what is referred to as "Proposition 65". Proposition 65 is the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. Any company that operates in California, sells products in California, or manufactures products that may be sold in or brought into California is subject to Proposition 65. Since our products are sold in California.

Proposition 65 requires warning labels on any product that may contain any of 600-plus elements that the California Air Resources Board considers a carcinogen 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.

Many of the elements listed under Proposition 65 are common everyday items. Many, such as lead, are commonly used in the electronics industry. Other elements are uncommon items and are rarely used in the electronics industry, if used at all. The list of elements keeps changing and is periodically updated. Elements are added to the list, some elements are removed. It is excessively difficult to keep track of the changing list of elements.

There are penalties for not complying with Proposition 65. Failure to label products may result in a civil penalty of $2500 per day. If a company's product is sold or is purchased outside the Sate of California and brought into California, the company may still be found in violation.

Various trade organizations have issued notices to manufacturers warning of Proposition 65 and its implications. Included in the warnings were suggested methods of protection from Proposition 65 litigation and violations. Protection requires warning consumers about the possibility of dangers from products. A warning label as the one we use is considered to comply with warning consumers.

The label does not necessarily indicate products will cause you to contract cancer or reproductive harm if used as designed.

Answer 2

You live in America (and more specifically in a State) where silly warnings have been given for decades! The chances of ingesting any harmful levels of lead from touching the 'coated' electrical wiring on your Christmas tree lights is effectively zero. Decades ago children would play with (and, in the way of all children, often put in their mouths), toy models of aircraft, cars, farm animals, etc., made of 100 percent lead - and those self same children are now healthy adults in their mid to late sixties, who are still mentally and physically active. There is too much fuss made over remote the possibilities of danger from so-called 'environmental hazards'.

Answer 3

it`s not just the state of California it was on the news the other night here in the northeast.The wire coating has lead in it they say to keep kids and pets from under the tree because lead dust falls there.You should also wash your hands after touching the wiring

Answer 4

California is the strictest state for regulations, codes, etc.

Its why there is also a California Smog Emission car. Its just a package that is applied to each car sold in California.

Answer 5

who knows, it is probably just a lead based paint they used to coat the wires anyway.

Answer 6

We bought some sand bags the other day, and printed on the bag is the warning: Caution: Contains silicates. DUH!