Warning Labels

Actual warning labels:

In a public restroom
Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.

On a bottle of drain opener
Warning: do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.

On a hair dryer
Do not use while sleeping.

On a remote control
Not Dishwasher safe

On hair coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.

On window cleaner
Do not spray in eyes.

And, my personal favorite; on a Superman costume:
Warning: Wearing this garment does not enable you to fly.

We see warning labels on just about everything. Some are amusing and absurd like those above, others are disconcerting. But, what about the labels that don’t yet exist? These are perhaps the scariest warning labels.

The EPA is now considering regulating the use of formaldehyde in composite wood products. Pressed wood, fiberboard, plywood and particleboard will finally be addressed.

Most of us are literally surrounded by these products on a daily basis – they’re in our floors, cabinetry, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Formaldehyde is used in many products aside from building materials. It can be found in cosmetics, vinyl, adhesives, disinfectants and even certain fabrics. The strong-smelling, colorless, pungent gas was classified by the EPA in 1987 as a “probable human carcinogen.” And yet, more than 20 years later – it is ever present in our homes. Keeping your home well ventilated helps clear the air of the chemical. Avoiding products manufactured with the chemical may be the best course of action.

Purchasing items made from renewable and organic materials, such as bamboo can both help the environment in our homes and the environment we all share.

Check the Environmentally Friendly Furniture Certification for more information: http://www.efurniture.org/environmentalproducts.html.