Fishing rod with Cancer warning?

Question

I bought a fishing rod for my dad for Christmas, but it along with others had a disclaimer for cancer in the state of California. (I live in Canada). I was concerned if it truly does and what in the materials causes the cancer risk? I know there are a lot of things that can give cancer. Even the other day the news said something about working the graveyard shifts could give it, which is laughable. Is this just some over hyped warning or something to really look at? It even has the same warning on the fishing rubber baits it comes with.

Why does it say the materials on the label can give cancer and not the fish then?

Answer 1

The rod in question may have some lead, graphite or phospherous in it's construction. And unless you intend to EAT or grind-up the rod and "sniff it", there will be no issues with the "warning".

Lures-Many fishing lures contain lead. Once again, unless you have a "fetish" with eating metal there should be no problems! (lol)

I liked Capt. Tango's quip- Pissing in the wind causes Cancer in Cali! (LOL)

UPDATE- ROTFLMAO @ Pheasant Tails answer! "Bong party" indeed!

Answer 2

I think that under California law, if you use any chemical, or substance that is known to cause cancer, in any part of processing a product, you have to add a warning. The process may have used a chemical in such low proportions, that it cannot even be detected, but if it was used at all, the warning has to apply. If an aromatic hydrocarbon such as toluene is used as a solvent for the coatings of fishing hooks, and the drying process removes 99 44/100% or the chemical, it was still used, and law mandates the warning be placarded......The risk of getting cancer from the product is probably negligable, but some cancer causing agent was used in some part of the manufacturing process.....

Answer 3

I'm ashamed to to admit it but I live in the former great state of Calif. The warning label you are seeing on the rod is probably a Proposition 65 label, which was voted on by the intelligent voters in this state. This was supposed to apply to products that contain lead, even in trace amounts. Now because of the lawyers finding a way to get a big pay day, these labels are every where. They were actually paying rewards/bounties for people to go into small stores and looking for products that they felt should have a label and filling suits. So just to be safe many products are now tagged. I do work for one shop that gets rolls of these labels and puts them on products themselves, even if the manf. does not. I would not worry about it. There is more danger from the people who think up these things than what they are trying to protect you from.

Answer 4

Lead is the main ingredient china uses to paint things from McDonald toys to Xbox 360's. Anyway the state of California, by law, has to put a safety precaution on any item that is imported. They also do this so if you get cancer than they can't be sued. Just don't worry and enjoy fishing.

Answer 5

the state of california is out there... the sooner they slide into the ocean the better. something used in the manufacturing of the product may cause cancer acording to the state of california. this could be the clear coat finish in its uncured state, or the glue in the handle. as long as you do not eat your fishing pole you will be fine. i've been fishing for over 42 years and i work for a major sporting goods retailer handling this stuff every day. once these products used in the manufactureing process set up they are harmless. trust me, the finish on your car is much more toxic than the fishing pole your using. I worked collision repair for over 30 years and i know what's in auto finishes. please, don't eat your car either and you'll be fine.

Answer 6

actually working the graveyard shift could be worse for you than smoking and not working the graveyard shift. for example, take 2 people that are identical except one smokes and the other doesnt, the one that smokes works 9-5, the one that doesnt smoke works from midnight till 10am. i would put my money on the nonsmoker to develop cancer first. oh yea, you dont get cancer from eating fish (you actually help prevent it) unless you are eating fish from an area that you are told not to eat fish from, you dont get cancer from using a fishing rod.

Answer 7

You live in Canada so don't worry about it. It only causes cancer in the state of California.

Answer 8

It may be the the type of epoxy used in gluing the components or the epoxy resin used for overcoating the wraps - only if uncured and inhaled in large quantities - you have no worries
unless you're going to have a "bong" party sniffing uncured epoxy resin in huge anounts through a waterpipe.

Answer 9

Unfortunately in this day and age, everyone must C.Y.A. cover your behind in fear of a law suit. with that being said, there are some materials which contain carcinogens used and therefore they must post it.

if it bothers you imagine what you are exposed to and are not aware of! especially in Canada where the laws are different.

i wouldn't worry about it. it's all political...

Answer 10

Don't even give it a second thought ie., risk of cancer! Like one responder said, "Pissin' in the wind will give one Cancer in California! rlmao Ha', I live in this wretched state annnnnd please don't ask me why ;(. Do know one thing, sure as H _ _ l wouldn't want ta' be down-wind from them nasty Cancer cells, once they got ta' flyin' ;)...