 |
|
|
|
|
October 28th, 2008
01:50 PM ET
Cancer warning labels on products: A cause for concern?
For several months I have enjoyed recording digital music files through my keyboard, thanks to a simple device that connects it to my laptop. But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that the following label came with it:
I freaked out. How could a set of cables attached to a small blue blinking cylinder cause cancer? The USB connector and keyboard inputs seemed harmless enough, and I hadn’t felt obvious symptoms while making music. Was I risking my life for the sake of my four-person fan base? So I called the company, M-Audio. Apparently, manufacturers have to put this label on certain products to comply with Proposition 65, a California law that requires a warning on anything containing lead or other hazardous substances found to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Under this law, whose full title is The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, warnings must be placed on products with a chemicals present in amounts larger than what the California government has decided is a “safe harbor number.” These requirements are pretty strict. For example, for a cancer-causing chemical, according to the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, “a person exposed to the chemical at the ‘no significant risk level’ for 70 years would not have more than a ‘one in 100,000’ chance of developing cancer as a result of that exposure.” So, if there would be more than one excess case of cancer out of 100,000 people over a period of 70 years because of exposure to that amount of the substance, slap on that label. It’s not just computing equipment. Amazon.com outlines for its customers required warnings for California consumers placed on tools, lead crystal glasses, ceramic tableware, jewelry, Tiffany style lamps, electrical cords, beauty products, and even motor vehicles. The consequences for violating Proposition 65 can be pretty fierce. One Los Angeles company had to pay a $10 million fine for failing to label lead-tainted lunch boxes (they sold 100,000 of them to the state health department), the Los Angeles Times reported earlier this year. Still, does that mean I have to wash my hands every time I touch the cord? Mark Williams, spokesperson for M-Audio, says, “No! My gosh, no!” In general, he says, electronics products carry this label because of the materials used in circuit boards, such as lead, for example. It’s not like there’s pesticide sprayed on the surface, he says. In fact, according to the company’s official statement on the issue, a device with a lead warning might not have any lead at all:
Maybe people are used to seeing these labels by now. Williams said mine was the first call he’s received on the issue in his five months in media relations at the company. So, now I will make my techno versions of acoustic indie songs in relative peace. Editor's Note: Medical news is a popular but sensitive subject rooted in science. We receive many comments on this blog each day; not all are posted. Our hope is that much will be learned from the sharing of useful information and personal experiences based on the medical and health topics of the blog. We encourage you to focus your comments on those medical and health topics and we appreciate your input. Thank you for your participation. soundoff (1,249 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25Leave a Reply to Dante Thillet
Next entry »Inside the mind of an undecided voter
« Previous entryWhen should parents ask the experts for help?
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is so cool. I'm impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great web site.
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
I like this web blog very much, Its a rattling nice billet to read and incur info . "You have to lead people gently toward what they already know is right." by Philip.
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i'm glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
You are my inhalation, I possess few blogs and sometimes run out from post :). "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it." by E. B. White.
https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/
Best view i have ever seen !
https://maps.google.com.mm/url?q=https://j-website.net
I just like the valuable info you provide to your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more right
here frequently. I'm reasonably certain I will be told many new stuff proper
here! Best of luck for the following!
Good day very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..
I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?
I'm glad to find so many helpful info right here in the put
up, we'd like work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys Ive incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂
https://google.com.gt/url?q=http://theintouchnews.com/
where to buy cbd oil in washington, mo
https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd/brands/justcbd-review
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed surfing
around your blog posts. In any case I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
My blog mega888 download
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s663/sh/e793e7fc-dcb4-f9cb-8b28-5e9758393cf1/825611c8cdf4fd18428842fce82f4e31
Having read this I believed it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
https://www.bokkmarking-signs.win/24-hours-to-improving-bakalasaiteu-24
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
You made some clear points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most people will approve with your blog.
https://www.hairstylesvip.com
bookmarked!!, I like your website!
my blog :: passport wallet
No matter if some one searches for his necessary
thing, so he/she wants to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
Hello just wanted to offer you a brief heads up. The words within your post
are running away from the screen in Ie. I'm unsure should this be
a formatting issue or something related to browser
compatibility however i thought I'd post to let you know.
The design and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Kudos
Here is my homepage: zipper wallet insert for filofax personal slimline organizer
Saved as a favorite, I like your site!
http://vlnlegalservices.com
I really like looking through a post that will make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
https://cutt.us/5HsJb
Hello! I know this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask. Does building a well-established website such as yours take a large amount of work? I'm brand new to operating a blog but I do write in my diary every day. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!|
http://images.google.co.mz/url?q=http://payrollheaven.com/payroll-services/
Just wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity for your publish is simply great and i can think you are knowledgeable in this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grasp your feed to keep updated with drawing close post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please continue the enjoyable work.|
https://www.linknet.in
204159 477168I would like to see a lot more posts like this!.. Great weblog btw! reis Subscribed.. 302030
https://www.snusexpress.ch/de/52_siberia-snus
wonderful post, very informative. I'm wondering why the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this. You should proceed your writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers' base already!|
https://magicred.eu
You are a great writer!
https://www.tech-news.websawa.com/new-focus-mode-allows-you-to-shoot-photos-and-videos-with-the-bokeh-in-instagram/
I really love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my very own website and would love to find out where you got this from or what the theme is called. Kudos!
https://dlandroid24.com/search-engine-marketing-bids-for-success/
http://www.haksizlik.com/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=735791
I like what you guys are usually up too. This kind of clever work and exposure! Keep up the fantastic works guys I've incorporated you guys to our blogroll.|
https://snushus.ch/products/odens-cold-extreme-box
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|
http://bestoptiontradingplatform.co.uk/
If some one desires expert view concerning blogging and site-building following that i recommend him/her to visit this website, Maintain the nice work.
Also visit my site: filofax stickers