Why do my water heater copper flex pipe connectors have a cancer warning???

Question

I just replaced my electric water heater, and when I was soldering the new copper flex pipe connectors that connect it to the water inlets/outlets, I noticed a warning label on them. They essentially said that these connectors have been found to cause cancer in California??? WTF!? Could someone please tell me why if this is true, or even if it is only minutely, or a teenie tiny percent of a fraction true, why the h**l are we installing these on our drinking water piping??!!! I mean if there is ANY chance this stuff could be any bit harmful to my family's health, why do they sell/manufacture/market it?

I bought it from Home Depot.

Answer 1

??? I'm definitely looking into this! Is there a web address on the warning label?...if so, can you send it to me?...thanks

Answer 2

I don't know, never heard of anything like that. I do have a kitchen appliance with a tag on the power cord. It says, the cord contains lead that is harmful to your health. Please wash hands after use.

Unbelievable.

Answer 3

It is put there by law to protect the manufacturer.

Just like if u go to a establishment, there is a sign posted by the door that states this establishment is known to have agents found to cause cancer .  

All it is the place might have a smoking patio to accomadate the customers that smoke.  So it's legal at some places to provide a smoking area for customers.

Answer 4

Well, if you don't live in California, don't worry about it--doesn't it say that it's been found to cause cancer in California but doesn't mention other states? Just kidding!  But really, I've found these California warning labels on all kinds of things. It just means California is being ultra cautious, or paranoid, depending on your view. The new connectors you're installing are no more cancer-causing than the old ones you're replacing. Probably less so, if anything, if the old ones had been there for a while. Just about everyone in North America has this in their home, so you've got lots of company.

Answer 5

Copper pipe is usually soldered somewhere. Solder contains a minuscule amount of lead. California is paranoid about contaminates and lead in HUGE doses does cause cancer and birth defects as well as learning disabilities.

Answer 6

I think it has to do with the plastic seals.

California has been going after some plastics the rest of the world does not think there is any science proving they are a problem.