After visiting my local neighborhood Wal-Mart where I bought holiday twinkle lights on sale for 2 for $5 upon bringing them home and reading the packaging I was horrified at the caution statement on the back.There was a lead warning that the wires are coated with a lead substance known in California to cause birth defects.So I went back to the store to return the lights and when the clerk asked why I said because the lights contain lead which cause birth defects the other clerk spoke up and said that it only pertains to CA and I live in Florida.So I guess since I am 3000 miles away from California I am immune?My question is:If something is known in one part of the country to cause cancer,birth defects,and such and I am not living there does that mean it wont affect me?I'm an educated woman with a masters degree but I cant see how/why I wouId not be affected.I understand that different states have different laws.I dont understand how this product can still be on the market regardless.
2007-12-03 10:21:44 · 10 answers · asked by bails 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Actually thats exactly what it was..the Prop 65 warning.
2007-12-03 10:57:51 · update #1
That is the proposition 65 warning.
The California attorney general just filed suit against a bunch of Chinese toy manufacturers for not putting it on their packaging.
rickinnocal: Not sure if you will see this or not. But here is a link to the wikipedia description of Prop. 65
"Proposition 65 is a California law that has been in effect since 1986 to promote clean drinking water and keep toxic substances that cause cancer and birth defects out of consumer products."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proposition_65
I know it is wikipedia, but check out the external links at the bottom of the page.
2007-12-03 10:28:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be on the market because the potential levels are far, far below what the government prohibits.
In California, ALL electronic equipment carries that warning label. It doesn't mean there "is" any lead on the wires, nor does it say that - it says "may be".
When workers assemble electronic components, they 'might' get solder - which contains lead - on their hands. They then 'might' get some of that solder onto the outside of the wires. You then 'might' get it on your hands when you're handling them. If you then prepare food without washing your hands you 'might' get some of that lead onto the food, and eat it.
California's 'safe limit' for lead in food is zero. Since the makers cannot "guarantee" that there's not going to be any lead on the outside of the wires, they have to place the CA lead warning label on anything they sell in CA.
Most makers do not label products differently for different States, which is why you've found something in FL with a CA warning label on it.
There is no measurable risk - just don't let your toddlers chew the electrical wires.... which, one would kinda think, is good advice anyway.
Caldude - it's not the Prop 65 warning, that's about hazardous chemicals inside buildings. It's a regular CA law, not a proposition.
Richard
2007-12-03 10:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No matter what you finally decide on, it probably wouldn't hurt if you just don't eat the wires. That way you'll be safe no matter what state you are in.
Seems to me that I grew up when all they had was lead based paint, I don't remember a lot of women having babies with birth defects or children getting all kind of cancer from eating lead based paint. Maybe Mom's and Dad's of previous generations didn't allow their kids to eat the paint!! What do you think?
2007-12-03 10:27:28 · answer #3 · answered by ggraves1724 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every distributor that sells this China lead contaminated junk should be held responsible. I don't know how the government could possibily check everything that is coming out of China for lead and other poisonous substances. That is why it should be up to the distributor that sells these items to Walmart to be responsible. Then they would not be so quick to have their items manufactured in China. Junk in junk out. Mattel has their factories in China so they can make more money. They should have inspectors from the U.S. to check all items before they leave the factory.
2007-12-03 10:28:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, CA also puts warnings on new cars stating that it too has chemicals known to cause cancer.
America is a capitalist country, but CA can be a little more liberal and will at the very least state some type of warning. There are also warning in older hotel buildings and there are also warnings in restaurants that serve MSG. That's Cali. for you.
2007-12-03 10:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by Silly Gal 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their basically telling you this birth defects were mostly in california, I think u should be allowed to return those lights, for your safety, if u have money throw them away for safety if u have kids etc.
2007-12-03 10:27:12 · answer #6 · answered by kksdf d 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Lead cannot possibly hurt you from what you can extract from a strand of christmas tree lights
2007-12-03 10:32:26 · answer #7 · answered by Gonzo Rationalism 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here in california we tend to look out for people more so than other states. be happy someone put a warning on it.
2007-12-03 10:40:27 · answer #8 · answered by Sexy house music 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Solder has lead in it. Has for ever. Lead free does exist for plumbing.
Do not eat the wire.
Can you say "Over reaction"
2007-12-03 10:27:31 · answer #9 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow , thanks! I guess they will say anything to keep something contained and make a sale!!
2007-12-03 10:27:43 · answer #10 · answered by ☼☆♦♫♥ Christina ♥♫♦☆☼ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋