The offending sneakers
What is with it with California? Maybe some readers from that lovely state can comment on this.
I live in Pennsylvania. Some things I buy have a tag that says, “this product has been known to cause cancer or birth defects in California.”
This past week I bought a pair of (Avia) sneakers that causes cancer in California. I couldn’t figure out how it would cause cancer. They are shoes! I don’t intend to eat them, lick them or excessively touch them. In fact when I wear them, I will have socks on so there won’t be much contact.
In doing some minor research I found it is also on jewelry, dishes, vacuum cleaners and other things. I would understand if it was on paint, food or chemical products, but vacuum cleaners and sneakers? Really?
Do other states know this? My sneakers do not cause cancer in Pennsylvania. I am terrified to visit California with these sneakers because something there makes them poisonous. Is this a campaign instigated by flip-flop manufacturers? Are sneakers ok in Nevada or New Mexico? Does it happen when the plane touches down? How do the sneakers know which state they are in?
I am not picking on California because I just love their happy cows. See video below! It’s also the land where I discovered margaritas, Ghirardelli chocolate and the Pier I Imports stores many, many years ago. That is not a bad thing.
Views and Mews by Coffee Kat 
As a chemist, I’m very aware of CA Prop 65. One might think that they’re overly cautious about chemicals, but maybe the rest of the states aren’t cautious enough. If it causes cancer or birth defects, shouldn’t all the states warn against it?
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Absolutely. The fact that no other state does makes me wonder. My question would be, “does it really cause cancer?” If the warning is on things that there is no real proof that it causes cancer, it’s useless. In any case, I am wearing my sneakers!
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Love a good laugh… and you just gave me a good one to start my day.
Still wiping the fun tears…
Your critical thinking skills are stellar.
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I haven’t seen any of those tags but I will check more carefully now. Maybe California knows something they are not sharing with the rest of us.
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I’ve lived in CA, it’s a suey place. I’m amazed they can fit all the warnings on a label.
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You got me! I’ve lived in California for 60 years, and I haven’t any idea even of what you’re talking about. Very mysterious…but we are definitely overpopulated, so perhaps it’s a campaign to discourage visitors? Debra
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I have updated the post to show the warning.
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OK…the tags look a little different from what I’ve seen here, but now I at least have an idea. Everything even potentially carcinogenic is clearly labeled in California. Everything! LOL! We also wrap our children in cotton before they are allowed to go outside and play! Home sweet home! D
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We are planning a trip to San Diego this summer. I’ll have to check the labels on my clothing and accessories very carefully before I pack.
I’m wondering….is the state of California just more concerned for their citizens’ well being or does some sort of molecular change occur once you cross the state line?
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You will have to report back after your trip. I can loan you my sneakers if you want…..
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I believe it is all the health nuts jogging out there. I lived in San Diego back in the ’90s when I was in the Navy. You could SEE the smog cloud hanging over areas of TNT city. Same in L.A. When I went up there a few times..so it must be all those people jogging around in their cancerous shoes! 😉
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Here’s my theory. The company that makes the shoes dumps their waste into the sea or produces toxic biproducts while producing such items therefore it is the chain of events that lead to the shoes but the factory that makes them is spoiling the environment…is that a stretch? Or does anyone else see the convaluted connection?
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Here is my take — the laws in California are more strict so companies, in order to avoid liability, slap that warning on most if not all of their products.
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This is very curious. Perhaps they are more delicate there.
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Or more likely to sue.
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Oh, giggles. I’ve seen those tags, too. Maybe there’s something in the soil there that combines to create a toxic gas?(No not talking about burritos consumed there…)
And you are right, how do the shoes know? Are they micro chipped like pets?
Do the cows – which are happily darling – obtain their cheerful condition from the mysterious substance in the soil that is toxic to humans???? Is it a plot by the cows? (Has anyone told them the shoes are not leather)
Oh, my – just too complex
Funny post
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I must pay more attention to the reading material on my clothes. La La land seems potentially harmful when exposed to them. Enjoyed your blog.
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This is just the most bizarre thing I ever heard! I thought you were being sarcastic, then I got scared, now I will be doing research to find out what the hell this is all about.
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maybe it’s something in the water …when in California it becomes toxic when in contact with everything …
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Doesn’t seem scientifically possible but you never know.
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