home
RSS
October 28th, 2008
01:50 PM ET

Cancer warning labels on products: A cause for concern?

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN.com Health Writer/Producer

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:

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

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:

Even in situations where an electronics device is completely free of lead, there is always a chance that standard third-party-manufactured accessories packaged with the device (such as a power cable, USB cable, or power supply) may contain trace amounts of lead. Out of professional diligence and a commitment to fully comply with the law, M-Audio properly marks all applicable products with a Prop 65 lead warning.

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.

 Post by:
Filed under: Cancer
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (5,890 Responses)
  1. Video Marketing Services

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS. I donít know why I can't subscribe to it. Is there anyone else having similar RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    https://topmagov.com/redirect?url=https://http://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 02:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Internet Marketing Services Near Me

    Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is very useful. Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.multiplelistingservices.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 02:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Digital Marketing Firms

    http://www.safestearpiercing.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.https://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 02:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. pharmacepticacom

    chloroquine moa https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 02:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Social Media Marketing Service

    http://fitnessgerl.tumblr.com.assetline.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 02:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Internet Marketing Agency

    http://mydeathspace.com/byebye.aspx?go=https://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 03:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Google Marketing Consultant

    Hi there, I do believe your website might be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent blog!

    https://quartiernetz-friesenberg.ch/links-go.php?to=https://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 03:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Local Marketing Agency

    http://www.floridabluemedicare.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.http://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 05:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Internet Marketing Agency Near Me

    After checking out a few of the articles on your web page, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website as well and tell me what you think.

    http://www.slurryinc.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 05:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Local Marketing Companies

    Next time I read a blog, I hope that it won't fail me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you would probably have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    https://nancyja.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 05:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. 타오바오 배송대행

    My family all the time say that I am wasting my time here at web, except I know I
    am getting experience every day by reading such nice articles or reviews.

    June 20, 2021 at 06:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Gail Aninion

    Hi, check this product that can help to take care of your hair: https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    June 20, 2021 at 06:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Local Marketing Business

    I could not resist commenting. Very well written!

    https://littlekidsbigsteps.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.http://www.affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 07:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Content Marketing Firms

    https://terracue.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 07:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Jasper Budiao

    Hi, check this product that can help to take care of your hair: https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    June 20, 2021 at 07:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Quinton Malinowski

    Hi, check this product that can help to take care of your hair: https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    https://bit.ly/3gJqhQH

    June 20, 2021 at 07:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Google Marketing Specialists

    I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now 😉

    https://www.zcn.onlinedating.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 08:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Internet Marketing Service

    This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate infoÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!

    http://www.fortrucker-env.com/leaving.aspx?ext=affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 08:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Video Marketing Companies

    http://www.voicevault.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 08:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Google Marketing Services

    http://naturestears.com/php/Test.php?a%5B%5D=<a+href=https://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 08:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. www.pharmaceptica.com

    sildenafil 100 capsules https://pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 10:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Internet Marketing Agency

    You need to take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites on the net. I will highly recommend this website!

    http://somadoll.com/cgi-bin/at/out.cgi?id=223&trade=affordableranking.com

    June 20, 2021 at 10:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Digital Marketing Experts

    http://caldwellheatingandair.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 10:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Google Marketing Services

    You're so interesting! I do not believe I have read a single thing like this before. So wonderful to discover another person with a few original thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality!

    http://www.charlottesvillevalawyers.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://affordableranking.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 10:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. pharmaceptica.com

    how does chloroquine work https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 11:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Enoch Lefrancois

    I want to start a blog that deals with moral issues. I want people to be able to see it, and also be easy to use and post..

    https://twitter.com/katekdesigns

    June 20, 2021 at 11:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Chuck Runnion

    Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this blog.

    http://directory.pasadenanow.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.rankemailads.com

    June 20, 2021 at 11:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. Lacy Prejsnar

    http://shoplocal.chieftain.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=https://club-maserati.com

    June 20, 2021 at 12:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Lovie Milliron

    https://www.local.google.hn/url?q=https://contractorinorangecounty.com

    June 20, 2021 at 12:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Sandi Buck

    This is a topic that is near to my heart... Take care! Exactly where are your contact details though?

    http://yousite.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://sprintervanrepair.com

    June 20, 2021 at 12:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Brain Munir

    Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

    http://brettterpstra.com/share/fymdproxy.php?url=www.codymarketing.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 12:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Jasmin Brandenburger

    This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something that helped me. Thank you!

    https://community.nxp.com/t5/custom/page/page-id/ExternalRedirect?url=http://developingprospects.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 13:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Erich Nesmith

    http://yousite.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.club-maserati.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 13:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Delmy Urlaub

    https://map.google.ae/url?q=https://socalforklifttraining.com

    June 20, 2021 at 14:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Lynne Boock

    You are so cool! I do not believe I've read through anything like that before. So nice to find another person with some unique thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

    https://posts.google.com/url?sa=j&rct=j&url=https://nearmyspot.com

    June 20, 2021 at 14:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. pharmacepticacom

    sildenafil 100mg usa cheap https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 14:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Mario Moise

    I find myself wanting another website to blog,post,etc. help ?.

    https://twitter.com/katekdesigns

    June 20, 2021 at 14:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Leisa Huppe

    I was excited to discover this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new information in your site.

    https://yousite.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://postfallswebsites.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 14:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. 울산출장마사지

    This page really has all the info I wanted concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://leonidze-magnati.ge/user/k4dqsll908

    June 20, 2021 at 14:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Hyon Fusilier

    http://yellowpages.observer-reporter.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.store/

    June 20, 2021 at 14:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. 토토사이트

    You've made some good points there. I checked on the net for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

    http://distributors.maitredpos.com/forwardtoafriend.aspx?returnurl=https://baccarat1edwinymzn804.godaddysites.com/f/17-superstars-wed-love-to-recruit-for-our-EBA8B9ED8A80EAB280ECA69D-team

    June 20, 2021 at 14:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Woodrow Paker

    https://image.google.bg/url?q=https://juicycalls.com

    June 20, 2021 at 15:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. thedo. tv

    Xem Trực Tiếp Bóng Đáliịch thi đấu lckTheo thể thức thi đấu, đội thắng ở cặp đấu này sẽ giành tấm vé đến Lithuania trong ngày hội bóng đá lớn nhất thế giới đến futsal. Tuyển futsal Việt Nam bước vào trận play-off lượt đi tranh vé dự play-off World Cup 2021 với sự tự tin. Tuy vậy, HLV Phạm Minh Giang bày tỏ, toàn đội ko ngán Lebanon song sẽ tìm cách để khắc chế sức mạnh của đối thủ bởi trên băng ghế huấn luyện là nhà cầm quân Ramiro Lopez, người từng dẫn dắt futsal Tây Ban Nha.|Dựa vào lịch tranh tài, bạn rất có thể chuẩn bị xếp công việc

    https://rucyprus.net/detail/90-phut-tv-101473.html

    June 20, 2021 at 15:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Lucien Harary

    Hello, I believe your website might be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it's got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great blog!

    https://yp.ocregister.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://kandypens.com

    June 20, 2021 at 16:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. joanna charaktis

    Thẳng Bóng Đá Thời Điểm Hôm Naylich da banh asian cup 2019Xem soccer trực tuyến Trực tiếp Odd BK vs Sarpsborg, 20h ngày 24/5, giải VĐQG Na Uy. Xem lịch vạc sóng trực tiếp bóng đá EURO hôm nay được Webthethao update chính xác nhất.

    https://virandoamor.com/detail/lich-phat-song-vtv3-hom-nay-4-4-76358.html

    June 20, 2021 at 16:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Santo Clemments

    I couldnít resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!

    https://sv.paltalk.com/client/webapp/client/External.wmt?url=http://ocrv.xyz/

    June 20, 2021 at 16:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 사설토토

    I was very pleased to discover this page. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new stuff in your blog.

    https://matchguaranty.com/members/baccarat9actionshoe3/activity/291886/

    June 20, 2021 at 17:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Merry Madura

    Very good write-up. I definitely love this site. Thanks!

    https://clients1.google.co.za/url?q=https://newwavevisual.com

    June 20, 2021 at 17:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. pharmaceptica.com

    tadalafil generic https://www.pharmaceptica.com/

    June 20, 2021 at 18:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. Teddy Solies

    You ought to take part in a contest for one of the finest blogs online. I am going to highly recommend this website!

    https://southampton.ac.uk/~drn1e09/foaf/visualizer.php?url=gopepenergy.com

    June 20, 2021 at 18:44 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118

Leave a Reply to grape backwoods

Click here to cancel reply.

 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
Advertisement
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.