Hair Dryers and Lead on Power Cords
QUESTION:
I just read one of your Low-EMF Hair Dryers while researching hair dryers.
I am so confused! I just purchased a "quiet" hair dryer thinking it would be healthier for me (or at least, for my ears) and while reading the manual, there is a big warning due to the california prop 65 about the chord containing cancer causing lead and to wash your hands after use. WHAT????
After reading your letter, now I am more stressed out. I know SO LITTLE!!!!
If I were to stay on the topic of hair-dryers, I suppose I would want to get one that is:
- quiet
- low EMF's, both AC magnetic and AC electric
- If a unit is manufactured for low AC Electric Fields, all the wiring would have to be a special type called "shielded cable". This is not just the plug, but the entire cable inside and outside the unit, and sometimes even parts of the motor.
- And of course, one that does not seem to have enough "cancer causing lead" to actually have to put a warning in the manual.
Should I even bother buying a new blow dryer?? Ugh-- sometimes I feel ignorance is bliss.
I have a computer, air conditioner, television, de-humidifier, car.... i'm wondering if i should even be getting this concerned about a blow dryer.
HELP! THANKS.
POSTED BY Y. S. :: NEW YORK USA :: 08/21/2006 2:28 PM
DEBRA'S ANSWER:
I understand. Personally, I just let my hair dry naturally in the air.
Everything I know about hair dryers is in the Q&A you've already read.
About the lead warning: lead is used in the manufacture of all electrical cords. You won't find a dryer with a "lead-free" cord. To protect yourself, wrap the cord with something to cover it. This could be some kind of tape or...I wrapped a cord on a lamp with wired cloth ribbon (like they use to make fancy bows). Any good craft store should have it. It's working very well. You'll just need to secure it somehow at both ends. Or you could use raffia (again, you'll find it at a craft store). Or strips of cotton cloth...
Debra :-)
I had written before about the warning on my Toshiba laptop power cord. Eventually I bought a lead test kit, and the power cord tested ok. So did the vinyl window treatments and some other cords. Only one cord tested as having a little lead.
POSTED BY MARY :: CALIFORNIA USA :: 09/06/2006 5:49 AM
