LEAD IN VACUUM'S?

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/backgroun....

For the link to a fully updated list of all the chemicals and compounds that are known to the State of California to cause

CLICK HERE TO GO TO Durango159's LINK


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Post# 214465 1/16/2013 at 21:53 (4,115 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)
Checkrate/Likes I was hoping that someone could shed some light on something I just discovered, which is rather disturbing to me. I was reading through some recent manuals for some random modern machines when I spotted a strange warning in the one for my Hoover MAX multi cyclonic, It read as follows "WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING." After finding this, I checked all of my other manuals I could find, Dirt Devil products all stated that they contain lead! However Bissell, Eureka, Shark, Dyson, and other high end brands were clear. My question is, where is it? Is the lead on the outside of the machine? Or is it part of some internal component? If it is on the outside of the machine then all of these machines that I own will be sold or donated. I would really like to keep these machines. Or am I just overreacting to the whole thing? Thank you for your time, and sorry for the rant like post. Scott

Post# 214468 , Reply# 1 1/16/2013 at 22:11 (4,115 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)
*This post has been removed by the member who posted it.*

Post# 214471 , Reply# 2 1/16/2013 at 22:28 (4,115 days old) by BriGuy (Wichita, Kansas)
Checkrate/Likes Probably in the plastic compound. Alot of things have lead in them to this day. Extension cords, & christmas light strands to name a few. All have fine print warnings about washing your hands after handling.

Post# 214472 , Reply# 3 1/16/2013 at 22:32 (4,115 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)
Checkrate/Likes Ok, did some product manual research. The Hoover Windtunnel Plus S3639 and PowerMax canister manuals were produced while Hoover was still owned by Maytag. Those product manuals do not mention anything about the lead warning. All of the current product line of vacuum manuals to include Royal Lexon SR30020, Royal Everlast MRY8200, Hoover Windtunnel Anniversary Canister S3670, Hoover Max Cyclonic bagless upright and Hoover Anniversary Windtunnel Supreme upright all have this warning. The Royal Everlast upright actually mentions that is cords and wiring that may have lead in them. Is TTI using a cheaper electrical cord on their units that is not as safe as other electrical cords. I have heard reports before that long exposure and close contact to electric motors can be carcinogenic. So that is nothing new. But touching the actual machine I would think ok. More research needs to be done on this. All of these machines are sold in all 50 states there is no disclosure anywhere about products being banned by California. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Durango159's LINK

Post# 214474 , Reply# 4 1/16/2013 at 22:40 (4,115 days old) by Durango159 (State College, PA)
Checkrate/Likes 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/backgroun.... For the link to a fully updated list of all the chemicals and compounds that are known to the State of California to cause CLICK HERE TO GO TO Durango159's LINK

Post# 214488 , Reply# 5 1/17/2013 at 02:00 (4,114 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)
Checkrate/Likes Actually we can relax a little here-lead is put into some vinyl plastics to serve as a plasticizer and fire retardent.There was a concern about this several years ago on vinyl mini blinds.If the material is deteroaiting-leaving a chalky residue on your hands after handling or touching it-then it is in a dangerous state.If the vinyl item is NEW or not coming apart or "chalking" no worry.But---burning vinyl with lead fire retardents is dangerous-like what folks in third world countries do to salvage the copper from cords and cables-they burn away the insulation.This exposes them to lead in the fumes from the burnt wires.At present the lead in plastics is being phased out.Yes,there is the precautions of not chewing,biting or sucking on lead containing vinyl items---remember vinyl plastic "chew" toys for teething children in the older days?For children and pets-MORE danger lurks in the power flowing thru the cables than the insulation.So its common sense to keep cords and cables away from pets and children.For the most part handling the cords and vinyl items is safe-just don't burn or chew on them.Washing after use is a good idea.And lead was used as a fire retardent in plastic computer cases and TV cases.So don't burn those,either.In modern way of salvaging copper from cords and cables-they are shredded-and the copper is easily removed from the vinyl or plastic peices.

Post# 214541 , Reply# 6 1/17/2013 at 17:55 (4,114 days old) by floor-a-matic (somewhere)
Checkrate/Likes My guess is it's just the power cord & wires that have lead; but I'm not too sure. Even my Ridgid WD1956 Shop Vac owner's manual has that warning: 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 & so does the Bissell Big Green Complete wet/dry vacuum/carpet cleaner owner's manual. The Hoover FloorMate H3060 owner's manuals say: 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 but the FloorMate H3000 doesn't have these warnings. This post was last edited 01/17/2013 at 19:24

Post# 214546 , Reply# 7 1/17/2013 at 18:31 (4,114 days old) by Jayelux (Dallas, TX)
Checkrate/Likes *Weight to counterbalance machine start?* Years ago, one of the guys on Car Talk said that he removed a lead weight from his wife's vacuum because the vacuum was too heavy. The purpose of the weight was to give the vacuum some heft to keep it steady against the startup torque. The topic stuck with me because, well, it was about a vacuum! I don't recall them saying what brand the vacuum was.

Post# 214604 , Reply# 8 1/18/2013 at 04:54 (4,113 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)
Checkrate/Likes *lead* Well thank you all for your posts, I feel alot better knowing that it's in the cords and not really a hazard unless it breaks down. Thanks Scott

Post# 214608 , Reply# 9 1/18/2013 at 07:33 (4,113 days old) by NYCWriter (New York City)
Checkrate/Likes 2 *Enough of the lead hysteria ...* People are so paranoid about infinitesimal amounts of lead that they overlook other, more serious health dangers. Like the roughly 2,000 VOCs that are emitted from their computers and flat-screen televisions for hours every single day (they're at their worst when they're brand-new; that "new electronic" smell is actually poison -- but the VOCs continue to be emitted during the entire lifetime of the product). Or they myriad chemicals people put into their bodies every day that are slowly hardening their cellular membranes (hydrogenated oils), eroding their thyroids (soy products), killing their hypothalamus, which regulates metabolism (artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners -- including high fructose corn syrup), and literally wearing out their endocrine systems and livers (non-organic meat and dairy that's infused with growth hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides).

Post# 214612 , Reply# 10 1/18/2013 at 07:45 (4,113 days old) by ctsooner ()
Checkrate/Likes *NYC* so true. I'm try to stay very informed on heavy metals in the body as well as heath and wellness. After I was hit with my MS nearly 7 years ago, I started to learn more and more about these things. There is no evidence either way that these 'minimal' amounts of metals in the body will do harm, but all my Juice Plus friends (many docs and nurses) all feel that they are not good as they cause more oxidants in the body, which in turn could trigger cancer, heart disease or anti immune disease. I have worked very hard in trying to cut all heavy metals from my life. I never knew about cord coverings. I'm now going to have to check out everything in my house as I dont' want anything in my house that isn't healthy if I can avoid it. I won't be getting rid of the TV though, lol.... Time to check the cord on the Sebo, lol.

Post# 214747 , Reply# 11 1/19/2013 at 03:39 (4,112 days old) by tolivac (Greenville,NC)
Checkrate/Likes Just to think years ago cast bullets for reloading-and as a child--cleaned out splash plate bulletraps at the indoor shooting range.Before entering the trap-the range is closed.And after the last shooting session-you wait for an hour for the bullet dust to settle in the trap.Most of the time the spent bullets would "clump" into large chunks to save for melting down and using again.The copper parts were skimmed off.Then you carefully scoop out the sand in the trap catch tray into a container-then put in fresh sand.I am still alive and doing just fine today!Would kids be allowed to do this today-most likely not.And on the outdoor range that had the dirt hill bulletrap-used to dig out spent bullets all of the time.So-still no harm done.That was my early bullet and cartridge collection!The main worry-sometimes baby rattlesnakes may try to live in the areas eroded out in the hill by bullet strikes-had no encounters.

Post# 214765 , Reply# 12 1/19/2013 at 08:53 (4,112 days old) by NYCWriter (New York City)
Checkrate/Likes *When I was in junior high school ...* ... in metal shop we used to make lead castings!

Post# 214913 , Reply# 13 1/20/2013 at 08:44 (4,111 days old) by uksausage (eastbourne east sussex UK)
Checkrate/Likes *@ctsooner* Hi. I was diagnosed with M.S around a year ago. My mums had it for 25 years doesn't stop us doing Anything lol I know some people with the same thing who think they can't do anything now a d have everyone chase around for them doing everything. I couldn't be like that. Hope your under control with your M.S. David Xx

Post# 215005 , Reply# 14 1/20/2013 at 19:47 (4,111 days old) by sebo_fan (Scotland, UK, member AKA ukvacfan, & Nar2)
Checkrate/Likes Im not worried about lead - its the black carbon that vacuum motors produce that owners should be more worried about. Black carbon in the air is extremely dangerous to breathing.

Post# 215185 , Reply# 15 1/21/2013 at 19:06 (4,110 days old) by singingrainbow (Texas)
Checkrate/Likes *lead* Thanks again to all who posted, the main thing that I was woried about was it being in the paint. Scott