20 of the dumbest warning labels ever

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Everyone has heard of a variation of the poodle in the microwave story… you know the one where the old lady dries her poodle in the microwave then sues the microwave manufacturer for not putting this warning on the product.

The leader of the pack
Creative Commons License photo credit: Wayne_Parrack

Well even though this is an urban legend that has it’s roots way before microwaves existed, it’s popularity is surely partly responsible for the utterly ridiculous warning messages that manufacturers often apply to their products.

I once heard that a pack of peanuts had a warning about the product containing nuts! I don’t think this is true but some of the examples below are almost as bad.

Here are 20 of the dumbest examples of this phenomenon:

  1. CD Player > Do not use the Ultradisc2000 as a projectile in a catapult
  2. Electric Router > This product is not intended for use as a dental drill
  3. Chainsaw > Do not attempt to stop chain with hands
  4. Dishwasher > Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher
  5. Fireplace Log > Caution, risk of fire
  6. Sleeping Pills > Warning: May cause Drowsiness
  7. Underarm spray deodorant > Do not spray in eyes
  8. Hair Dryer > Never use hairdryer while sleeping
  9. Laser Printer Toner > Do not eat toner
  10. Small Wheeled Wheelbarrow > Not intended for highway use
  11. TV Remote Control > Not dishwasher safe
  12. Car Windscreen Sun shield > Do not drive with sun shield in place
  13. Bathroom Heater > This product is not to be used in bathrooms
  14. Air Conditioner > Do not place hand in fan whilst fan is running
  15. Bicyclist’s Shin Guards > Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body that they do not cover
  16. TV Set Manual > Do not pour liquids into the TV
  17. CD Player > Warning: Dangerous warning inside
  18. Birthday Candles > Do not use soft wax as earplugs or any other function that involves insertion into body cavity
  19. Baby Stroller > Remove baby before folding
  20. Aim-n-Flame Fireplace Lighter > Do not use near fire, flame or sparks

This list was sourced from the book “Unusually Stupid Americans” published by Villard in 2003

3 COMMENTS

  1. Ha ha, I forgot about that one!! It’s amazing that our world has got to a state where sleep inducing medicine actually HAS to say that!

    Thanks for stopping by.

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