99% Invisible WARNING: This Podcast Contains Chemicals Known to the State of California to Cause Cancer or Other Reproductive Harm
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Mar 5, 2024 
Vivian Leigh, a producer with a knack for storytelling, teams up with David Rowe, a senior lawyer focused on environmental issues, to dive deep into California's Proposition 65. They tackle the confusing reality behind the warning labels found on everyday products, asking whether these ubiquitous alerts genuinely inform or cause unnecessary panic. Listeners will be entertained by humorous anecdotes from celebrity advocates and the challenges faced by small businesses under the regulation, all while exploring the cultural implications of normalizing such warnings.
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Move-In Day Surprise
- Vivian Leigh was excited to move into a new apartment building in Los Angeles.
- On move-in day, she discovered a Proposition 65 warning sign.
Ubiquitous Warnings
- Proposition 65 warnings are common in California, appearing on various products.
- This ubiquity leads to desensitization, making people question their effectiveness.
California's Environmental Crisis
- In the mid-1980s, California faced significant environmental challenges, including hazardous air quality and toxic chemical accidents.
- Public concern about tap water safety was widespread.