This product is known to the state of california to cause cancer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the warning label found on a lamp purchased from Target, which states that the product is known to the state of California to cause cancer. Participants explore the implications of this warning, its origins in California's Proposition 65, and the potential health risks associated with the product.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion and concern over the warning label, questioning whether it is an overreaction or if the product should be discarded.
  • Others mention that the warning is related to Proposition 65, which requires labeling for products containing certain chemicals, including lead.
  • A participant notes that the warning does not address the dose of exposure necessary to pose a health risk, suggesting that the regulation may not provide adequate information for consumers to make informed decisions.
  • Several comments highlight that similar warnings are commonplace in various products and industries, including wood products, where wood dust is also labeled as carcinogenic.
  • Humorous remarks are made regarding the absurdity of the warning in relation to everyday risks, such as sunlight and water.
  • One participant speculates about the materials used in the lamp, suggesting the presence of hazardous substances like beryllium or asbestos.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the warning is a result of Proposition 65, but there is no consensus on the implications of the warning or the adequacy of the regulation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the actual risk posed by the product.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the warning does not specify the dose of exposure that would be considered dangerous, highlighting a limitation in the information provided by Proposition 65.

Greg Bernhardt
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I just bought a rather "cheap" lamp from Target and when I unpack it I find a sheet of paper with the warning "this product is known to the state of california to cause cancer". Well isn't that great. thanks a lot! There is a little tag on the electrical cord that says I should wash my hands after each use. What the heck is going on? Anyone know anything about this. Is it an overreaction or something I should throw out?
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
I just bought a rather "cheap" lamp from Target and when I unpack it I find a sheet of paper with the warning "this product is known to the state of california to cause cancer". Well isn't that great. thanks a lot! There is a little tag on the electrical cord that says I should wash my hands after each use. What the heck is going on? Anyone know anything about this. Is it an overreaction or something I should throw out?
Buwahaha. California is a different world. Does it give any explanation?
 
I bought a fly reel (I think; I know it was fishing related) and it had the same message.

Its so the product can be sold in california due to some law they have called Proposition 65.

List of chemicals the law covers: http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/prop65_list/files/P65single062212.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This is the insulation of the electrical cord right? That is where the lead is IIRC. Christmas lights used to have the same warning. Dont rub the insulation and lick your fingers... :P
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
I just bought a rather "cheap" lamp from Target and when I unpack it I find a sheet of paper with the warning "this product is known to the state of california to cause cancer". Well isn't that great. thanks a lot! There is a little tag on the electrical cord that says I should wash my hands after each use. What the heck is going on? Anyone know anything about this. Is it an overreaction or something I should throw out?

As long as it doesn't cause cancer in your State, don't worry about it! :-p

Yes, it must be lead in the insulation.
 
No, don't throw it out. That's Prop 65 you're seeing. I deal with it at work from time to time.

I work in the wood products industry. We have to label wood in the same way, since wood dust is a carcinogen. So that nice wood floor under your toes is (technically) carcinogenic and requires a warning label!

But seriously, what the warning doesn't address is dose. That label is simply a binary, yes-no answer to, "Can this product cause cancer?" But the real info you need to make an informed decision is, what is the dose you're exposed to, and what is a dangerous dose? This is why Prop 65 is a dumb regulation, IMO. It doesn't give you the right information.

Btw, lead is on the Prop 65 list (see it here) but IARC's evaluation is as follows:

Inorganic lead compounds are probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A).
Organic lead compounds are not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans
(Group 3).
summary:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol87/mono87-10.pdf
full:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol87/mono87.pdf
 
We get those in the U.K. Just don't use it in California.
 
lisab said:
No, don't throw it out. That's Prop 65 you're seeing. I deal with it at work from time to time.

I work in the wood products industry. We have to label wood in the same way, since wood dust is a carcinogen. So that nice wood floor under your toes is (technically) carcinogenic and requires a warning label!

But seriously, what the warning doesn't address is dose. That label is simply a binary, yes-no answer to, "Can this product cause cancer?" But the real info you need to make an informed decision is, what is the dose you're exposed to, and what is a dangerous dose? This is why Prop 65 is a dumb regulation, IMO. It doesn't give you the right information.
How many lamps would Greg have to eat in one sitting in order to reach unacceptable levels of lead in his body?
 
Results inconclusive: No cancer detected, however subject died of lead poisoning prior to conclusion of trial.
 
  • #10
russ_watters said:
Results inconclusive: No cancer detected, however subject died of lead poisoning prior to conclusion of trial.
:biggrin:
 
  • #11
I'll buy 12!

I also assume such a warning is in any ads for this product... if you don't want the cancer, can you get a refund?
 
  • #12
lisab said:
No, don't throw it out. That's Prop 65 you're seeing. I deal with it at work from time to time.

I work in the wood products industry. We have to label wood in the same way, since wood dust is a carcinogen. So that nice wood floor under your toes is (technically) carcinogenic and requires a warning label!

But seriously, what the warning doesn't address is dose. That label is simply a binary, yes-no answer to, "Can this product cause cancer?" But the real info you need to make an informed decision is, what is the dose you're exposed to, and what is a dangerous dose? This is why Prop 65 is a dumb regulation, IMO. It doesn't give you the right information.

Btw, lead is on the Prop 65 list (see it here) but IARC's evaluation is as follows:


summary:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol87/mono87-10.pdf
full:
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol87/mono87.pdf

Well said.

Paracelsus said:
All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; only the dose permits something not to be poisonous.
 
  • #13
Does the sky in California have a warning label? I merely ask because sunlight is known to cause cancer, rain is pretty hazardous - water is known to cause drowning - and don't get me started on oxygen!
 
  • #14
Let's hope no California officials read that post NemoReally!
 
  • #15
NemoReally said:
Does the sky in California have a warning label? I merely ask because sunlight is known to cause cancer, rain is pretty hazardous - water is known to cause drowning - and don't get me started on oxygen!

CompuChip said:
Let's hope no California officials read that post NemoReally!

I can offer to do some publicly-financed research for them. You know, like hang around on the beach for several hours at a time or check for differences in the mountains, particularly during the ski season.
 
  • #16
Beryllium lamp with an asbestos shade?

If it came with a lamp/bulb it might just be a warning about that.
 
  • #17
lisab said:
But seriously, what the warning doesn't address is dose.

Do not OD on lamp cord.
 
  • #18
California really is a special place isn't it? The same warning labels are on Gas Station pumps here in AZ. Whenever I am buying degreaser or any chemicals that are automotive related I always get the ones that say "Not for sale in California" because those are the ones that work really well
 

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