- A 6-pack of toothbrushes that come with a toothbrush stand and drinking cup: $1.29, limit 4
- A 3-pack of kitchen brushes is .99
- Plastic scoops are .99. My husband wanted one of these to keep in the icemaker in the freezer.
(I’m not sure what kind of ice needs he’s got lately that involve an entire scoop of ice, but that’s another story…)
And, of course, I decided to blog about these deals too! I set everything up on the patio table and started taking photographs. That’s when I noticed something strange on the tags of the plastic scoops:
“WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
What? There was no way I was putting one of these scoops into our ice dispenser or into my dog’s food bag. I figured that they must be for garden use and not for anything coming in contact with food.
Then, I checked the tag for the 3-Piece Kitchen Brush Set:
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
Okay, the plastic scoops “may contain” harmful chemicals. The kitchen scrub brushes do contain a harmful chemical. Back into the Ace Hardware bag they went — I sudddenly didn’t feel comfortable using these to wash our dishes.
“6pc toothbrush economy set for the entire family.”
But then, at the bottom it says “For Adult Use Only”.I turned the package around…
“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.”
I was dumbfounded. Everyone knows I love a deal, but these toothbrushes were no deal at any price. Why would anyone want to brush their teeth with something that contains a known carcinogen? Many people’s gums bleed when they brush — a “terrific” way to potentially introduce this chemical into your body.
I started researching the toxicity warning.
Cancer.org has an entire page devoted to this particular warning, which is known as the “Prop 65” warning. It’s named after the 1986 California proposition that requires this warning for products sold in the State of California:
“The Prop 65 labels only tell you that a product has something in it that might cause cancer or affect reproduction. They don’t say what the substance is, where it is in the product, how you might be exposed to it, what the level of risk is, or how to reduce your exposure.”
The Chemical Heritage Foundation discusses the Prop 65 warning too, using an example of a ruler that contains lead:
“Should you decide not to heed this warning, you have to realize that you are using a product that (at least in the state of California) is recognized as toxic. Maybe that’s okay. You probably won’t be eating the ruler. But you are coming into contact with it.”
Maybe it is okay for a ruler. In my opinion, it’s definitely not okay for a toothbrush.
All of my newly-purchased plastic goodies are going back to Ace in the morning.
Note: I’d like to add that I have absolutely no vendetta against Ace Hardware. I really enjoy shopping there. I worked as a cashier at Ace Hardware all through college and have fond memories of those years. It’s still my first go-to place when I am in project mode, need a part or a tool quickly, and wish to avoid a time-consuming big-box store. I have always put a lot of trust in Ace Hardware and the products Ace carries — which is why I really feel let down by this experience.
VJB says
That is really scary.
mashupmom says
I stayed at a hotel in CA a few years ago that had a sign on the door stating the same thing, that the HOTEL contains chemicals known to the state of California… lol.
J.R. says
California is NUTS. Those labels seem to be on everything.
J.R. says
If you think that’s bad, check out THIS stuff!
http://www.dhmo.org
theresa1740 says
These items seem to be made in China and is this California’s way of regulating the unknown or partially known things that are in the plastic from China. Now that CA has this requirement what other things are we going to see labelled as unsafe. The cheap drinking glasses, cheap plastic plates and other things. Will be interesting.
alesis_77 says
Back before kids I worked for a toy company and learned a bit about plastic types and quality of that plastic. It was also around the time when “BPA” became an issue and everything started becoming “BPA-free”, you still see this label on plastic containers. Guess which state started the trend to make everything “BPA-free”? Yes it was California. So, my guess is that the quality of the plastic in these items are not up to California’s standards, most likely not “pure” and probably made from a lower graded plastic. Which, by the way, all plastic is made from oil.
gardener says
https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/25/alliancetoxicfreefire-idUSnPnDC8wVgq+164+PRN20131125
cpanzer18 says
California labels almost everything as “cancer causing”. I’ve seen it on many things including toilet bowl cleaner, and even toys.
dancingwolves says
Side effects like BPAs that were in plastic baby bottles. Studies showed this substance can change genetics in your body. Reminds me about your educating us also about why you do not buy food products that have hormones in them.
My uneducated theory why so much allergies, asthma and immune problems are attributed to man made chemicals.
AuntDiane says
They probably all have lead warnings due to the California law.
Cash register receipts have BPA in them too.
Wash hands often!
I hope that stuff is not in regular toothbrushes and it just hasn’t been labeled yet. Aren’t most name brand toothbrushes made in China? (Is Oral-B still made in the USA?) If so maybe it’s time to become brand loyal.
rswehrle says
Speaking as someone who actually LIVES in California, we are not all nuts! We just happen to be a very conscious about chemicals in our products.
I used to work for a Lenox outlet about 20 years ago and we had to post prop65 signs all over the store, but I never saw it deter anyone from purchasing the china and crystal that was sold. If memory serves me, it was a concern about the lead being in the crystal that was a main issue. That is what gives the crystal a nice “ting” to it. We were told that as long as you didn’t leave food or drink in the products long term, like a crystal decanter, than it was fine for food. And just so you know, I own china from Lenox and my kids have eaten off of it on several occasions, like Thanksgiving, and have never had any lead level readings after the pediatrician had routine blood lead tests done.
Just be glad there is a warning on products, for many years there were none. And now, because of California being so conscious about certain chemicals in products, you have a choice to use these labeled products or not. I have never seen any other product having a warning label issued from any other state.
Your welcome. :)
couponmom104 says
Here’s the thing -if your truly concerned -you should know that the plastic from the dollar store, Home depot, Lowes -all contains this stuff -they are just not labeling their products the same way. ACE is choosing to buy from vendors with such packaging. If you read more about it you will find out that not all companies follow the same practices in terms of product testing, safety, etc. ACE does not have to buy from vendors with these labels -it’s just actually being more honest then the other companies. Let’s just say that someone very close to me does this sort of thing for a living so I know all about product testing, labeling, etc.
AND of course I thought the washing machine lint traps for .88cents were a bargain, $1 fridge/freezer baking soda which I sometimes have trouble finding, $1.98 bicycle bell,
rswehrle says
I saw a prop 65 sign today at my local Starbucks stating that the cooking of the coffee beans could cause cancer. This is a product that is sold nationally, so even if you live in the Midwest, your coffee could be harmful. (Don’t know how to add the picture, but if you want to see it, PM me.)
clipsalot says
I saw something just like this at CVS in their dollar section. There were only 5 toothbrushes, but they were made in California, so there should not be any cancer causing agents in it.