Lead-containing wire
Below is a discussion of the labels on electrical wires such as computer cables, power cords, and holiday lights. This background information and links near the end of the document may be helpful to those with questions about labeled products other than wire.
Why are my wires labeled with a cancer warning? The state of California keeps its own list of cancer-causing substances. It requires manufacturers who know that a consumer might be exposed to one of these substances from using their products to label that product with a clear warning.
Will I be exposed to lead if I use this product, and if so, how? Many electrical wires and cables have small amounts of lead in their outside insulation (surface covering), which can rub off on the hands of people who touch the wires. People can be exposed to lead by ingesting it, so if they eat or put their hands in their mouths without washing up after handling these wires, they can take in small amounts of lead. The bigger hazard is likely to be to toddlers and babies who put wires in their mouths. Since babies and toddlers crawl around on the floor, it can be challenging to keep them away from wires.
How can I avoid exposure (and protect children in the house)?
• The most important point to avoid exposure is to wash your hands after handling the electrical cords to avoid swallowing any lead that rubs off onto them.
• Don't eat or feed children while handling lead-containing cords or stringing holiday lights.
• Since small children are more likely to put cords, fingers, and other objects in their mouths, keep lead-containing wires out of their reach.
• Children are more affected by lead (see ACS document, Lead), and should always have their hands washed before handling food and eating.
Lawsuits filed in 2000 charged that electrical manufacturers were selling covered electrical wires and cable products without labels warning about the lead in their coverings. As part of the lawsuit settlement, manufacturers were directed to start attaching warning labels to electrical cords as of September 3, 2003. The labels must provide "clear and reasonable warnings" about any potential risk. People who buy new electrical products are often concerned when they see these warning labels.
Labeling requirements
Most electrical cords and cable that contain more than 300 parts per million of lead by weight in their covering ("surface contact layer") are required to be labeled if they are to be sold in the state of California (see also "Exempt cords" below).
Label Statements. There are 3 possible label statements on lead-containing wire or cable to be sold in California:
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.
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause [cancer, and] birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause [cancer, and] birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
The word "cancer" (in brackets above) is optional, at the judgment of the manufacturer. Many of them use it, possibly to avoid liability.
Carcinogenicity and exposure. ACS is aware of lead as a possible carcinogen (see the document Lead for more on the hazards of lead exposure). However, there is no way to assess risk or even level of exposure for any one person handling electrical cords. If a cord is labeled as noted above, the wire is considered to have more than 300 parts per million in its outside covering.
The amount of lead a person might absorb will also vary depending on what a person does with the cord. People are exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing it. In the case of cords, the lead is not powdered, so users are not at risk of inhaling it. The most important point to avoid exposure is to wash your hands after handling the cords. That way, you won't swallow any lead that may have rubbed off. Children are more affected by lead, so keeping them away from lead-containing wires can help avoid exposing them. Small children are more likely to put cords, fingers, and other objects in their mouths.
Studies that looked at lead's potential carcinogenicity (ability to cause cancer) looked at people with high exposure levels on a constant, daily basis. This means that the effects of rare exposures to tiny amounts may not have any observable effects. It may also help to know that, in case of larger exposures, there are other symptoms of lead toxicity that would likely be a concern before cancer occurred.
Exempt cords. Cords that are not often plugged and unplugged do not have to be labeled. Cords with lead inside their covering, and cords that are in places that make them inaccessible to consumers during ordinary use do not have to be labeled. (But keep in mind that, other than wires, there are many other types of materials that must be labeled by the manufacturer if they are sold in California.)
Hazards on the job. For electrical cords which are not sold in California, but are handled in a work setting, there is a different warning system. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires detailed information to be provided for employees. Known hazards must be listed on a standard form called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). (Many materials must have MSDSs, including solids, liquids, and gases that people work with. Supervisors or safety officers should be able to get you an MSDS for any potentially hazardous material at work.)
More about cancer warning labels that mention California
Go to OEHHA's Web site for frequently asked questions and more information, at:
www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65.html.
Proposition 65 is reviewed in plain language at:
www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/background/p65plain.html.
For the link to a fully updated list of all the chemicals and compounds that are known to the State of California to cause
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer...ng-labels-based-on-californias-proposition-65
