As I was using Q-Tips this morning, I noticed that there’s a huge warning on the package:
WARNING: Do not use inside ear canal.
Yeah, yeah, liability and all that, but what the hell else do you use a Q-Tip for? The only reason to use one is to clean your inner ear. Sure, it could be used for other purposes, like swabbing the outer ear or something, but so could a dozen other products. It seems exclusively designed for the inner ear.
That got me thinking: aside from obvious abuse (drugs) or naughtiness (vibrator), what are some other products that everyone uses for a specific purpose, but the manufacturer warns against that purpose? I can’t think of any.
I’m not sure about now but about ten years ago all U-Haul trailers had MAX 45 MPH all over them. It was even printed backwards on the front of the fenders so you could read it every time you looked in the rear view mirror, as you are going down I75 at 70.
The heaters on the sidelines of the NFL game that I watched on Sunday had big signs that said: Warning, extremely hot, stand at least 4 feet away. The players still huddled up next to them.
So do you go through the eustachian canal with your Q-Tip to get to your inner ear? Yeah, that is a bit dangerous, not to mention you need a long Q-Tip.
Car stands, those mini-ramps that you drive them up onto, or the metal pole stands where you jack the car up, then lower it down onto the stand, all have warnings on them not to place any part of your body under a car supported by them.
Tylenol says do not exceed two tablets in a six hour period. Yeah right.
I remember when MP3s were first coming out before Kazaa and other files haring programs were big. Websites just had links to MP3s that you could download, and had a disclaimer like, “These files should only serve as backups. If you choose to download these files, you MUST already be in possession of the song.” Um, ok.
That doesn’t really fit the OP, though, which isn’t just “what warnings do you ignore?”. A cell phone isn’t designed specifically for use at a gas station pump.
Don’t fergawdsake!:eek: Catastrophic Liver failure may result! Tylenol is very safe used as directed, quite dangerous otherwise. Note that Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc can sometimes be taken along with Tylenol if you need extra pain relief. Ask your MD.
I saw a hammer that stated one should not use it to strike metal objects- like, err, umm- nails?:dubious:
Opticians always tell you to use this spray and special wipes to clean your glasses. I’ve almost never seen anyone do anything but huff and wipe with the bottom of the shirt.
IANAD but I know that a couple of times both my father and I were prescribed Tylenol by a doctor and the pharmacist just advised taking 3 regular Tylenol instead of paying $40 for the scrip. It is something people should be very careful of, of course, but it is occasionally prescribed by medical professionals too.
Yeah, I’ve always been a little fascinated by that. They tell you, “Use a soft cloth to clean your lenses. Don’t just use your shirt or a handkerchief.” Which is advice I followed for a while, up until I stopped wearing hairshirts and buying burlap handkerchiefs.
