When I opened up a package for a computer part from Dell Computers (a ssci controller card) I found a warning on a piece of paper. I did not see it right away mind you, which puts in question the utility of warnings written on small pieces of  paper put inside of product packaging. The notice referenced California’s Proposition 65.

California Proposition 65 Notice

Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

MAN-00232-01-A rev A

I had to ask myself, what purpose does this notice serve exactly? If it was meant to deter someone from handling the package shouldn’t it be placed on the box itself? Secondly, why is Dell or it’s supplier using such carcinogenic material in the first place? It seems to me that they are just complying with a state law, so that they can continue business as usual. It’s possible that the EPA hasn’t taken this matter up yet so it is not a federal law. So to them it’s like they’re being forced to put this notice into their packaging and they probably just view it as the cost of doing business. Yet is it morally the right thing to do?