10 Warning Labels That Exist Because Someone Actually Tried It

We’ve all seen ridiculous warning labels that seem to insult our intelligence, like “Do not eat” printed on silica gel packets, or “remove child before folding” on a stroller. But as absurd as these may sound, every one of them exists because someone, somewhere, actually did the thing they were told not to. Behind each bizarre label is usually a real lawsuit, injury, or company scrambling to avoid future liability.

This list dives into ten warning labels that aren’t just silly legal overkill—they’re surprisingly necessary.

Related: 10 More Modern Conveniences That Met with Weird Resistance

10 “Do Not Iron Clothes While Wearing Them” (Iron Manufacturers)

At first glance, this warning feels like something from a comedy sketch, but it appears on countless household irons, including models from Rowenta, Sunbeam, and Black+Decker. The label typically reads: “Do not iron clothes while wearing them.” This can be found in user manuals and warning tags and even molded into plastic housings. Why? Because people have actually done it. Several hospital and emergency room reports throughout the 1990s documented patients suffering second- and third-degree burns from trying to smooth wrinkles while wearing garments.

One notable case occurred in 2002 when a Wisconsin man attempted to press his dress shirt while still on his body before an interview. The iron snagged against the fabric, slipped, and pressed against his chest, resulting in severe burns that required outpatient treatment. Although he did not sue, his incident and others like it have been cited in safety discussions about “foreseeable misuse.” In some instances, claimants have attempted litigation against manufacturers, alleging that the lack of a warning made them unaware of the danger.

To avoid such legal risks, companies began preemptively issuing safety notices that now seem absurd. These warnings have become a punchline in conversations about “idiot-proofing” products, but they’re very real. Consumer safety advocacy groups acknowledge that while most people would never iron clothes while wearing them, the label exists because a significant minority might, especially when in a rush or unaware of the risks. It’s a perfect example of how common sense isn’t universal — and how liability laws shape how manufacturers communicate with the public.^[1]

9 “Do Not Hold the Wrong End of a Chainsaw” (Swedish Chainsaw Safety Manual)

In the safety manuals of Husqvarna and other chainsaw manufacturers, you’ll often find a peculiar instruction: “Do not hold the wrong end of the chainsaw.” While this might sound like satire, it’s based on real-world injury data and is more common than you’d expect. This warning was first prominently documented in Sweden, where forestry equipment was distributed to less-experienced operators during a hiring surge in the 1980s. Several reported accidents occurred when users—often attempting to restart a jammed saw or clear brush — accidentally grabbed or leaned on the chain end while it was still moving.

Users sometimes tried to start the saw by bracing it awkwardly against their legs or bodies and inadvertently touching the chain. These weren’t professional loggers but casual users or weekend warriors unfamiliar with safety protocol. In one incident documented by a Swedish safety board, a man required dozens of stitches after grabbing the bar while the motor was still running, thinking the chain had already stopped. U.S. incidents echoed this trend, particularly in rural areas where rental tools were involved.

The warning was eventually adopted into multilingual safety manuals and became part of global standards for power tool labeling. Chainsaws are now designed with multiple visual cues and safety switches to prevent such injuries, but the label remains — a direct result of user error and misunderstanding. Despite how ridiculous it sounds, this warning isn’t for laughs; it’s for limbs. In the eyes of manufacturers and regulators, even the most obvious instructions are worth stating if they prevent bloodshed or a lawsuit.^[2]

8 “Do Not Use While Sleeping” (Hair Dryer Warning: Conair)

It seems obvious that a hair dryer should not be used while asleep, but manufacturers like Conair and Revlon felt it necessary to include this exact warning after a series of real-life accidents. During the 1990s, fire departments in the U.S. began reporting a surprising number of house fires caused by hair dryers that were left running on bedding or carpet. In several cases, individuals had fallen asleep while drying their hair in bed, only to wake up to smoldering blankets or even full-blown fires.

One case from New Jersey involved a teenage girl who nodded off mid-dry while watching television. The hair dryer slipped onto her comforter and caused enough heat to ignite the surface. Although she escaped unharmed, the fire caused thousands of dollars in damage. Incidents like this were especially common among people drying their hair while lying down, often after taking medication or when under the influence of alcohol. Because the devices generate intense heat and can lack automatic shut-off functions, they pose a significant fire hazard when unattended.

In response to mounting reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued updated guidance, and manufacturers began adding printed warnings on cords, labels, and instruction manuals. Many dryers today now also include automatic shut-off features when placed face down. However, the written warning remains standard. It’s a cautionary tale of how even something as routine as drying your hair can become dangerous when common sense takes a nap.^[3]

7 “This Product Not Intended for Use as a Dental Drill” (Dremel Tools)

Dremel rotary tools are known for their versatility. Hobbyists use them for carving wood, cutting metal, and polishing jewelry. Unfortunately, at least a few individuals have taken that versatility a little too far. The label “Not intended for use as a dental drill” was added after reports surfaced of people using Dremels to perform amateur dental procedures, including filing down their teeth or attempting home repairs on crowns and fillings.

One of the more alarming cases involved a Florida man who used a Dremel tool to sand down a cracked molar. He avoided going to the dentist due to cost and turned to YouTube for tutorials on self-dentistry. The result was a painful infection that required hospitalization and a full extraction. Emergency room staff reported this was not an isolated incident and noted that several patients had attempted similar procedures using non-medical rotary tools. The risk of nerve damage, overheating, and bacterial contamination is extremely high when using such tools in the mouth.

In light of these cases and the rise of DIY medical advice online, Dremel and similar manufacturers began including explicit warnings in their manuals. The label is now standard and legally shields the company from liability in case someone attempts to substitute a rotary tool for a licensed dental professional. While it may seem absurd, it is another example of why product manuals sometimes need to say what should already be obvious.^[4]

6 “Remove Child Before Folding” (Graco Stroller Warning)

At first glance, the warning “Remove child before folding” sounds like something made up for a parenting satire. However, it is a very real label on many stroller brands, especially those made by Graco, Chicco, and Evenflo. The warning was introduced after several real incidents where parents, often distracted or in a hurry, attempted to fold strollers without first unbuckling or removing their children. These actions led to minor injuries like pinched fingers and, in a few rare instances, bruising or minor fractures.

One widely cited case in California involved a distracted caregiver who partially collapsed a stroller with a toddler still strapped in. Though the child was not seriously injured, the incident led to a lawsuit arguing that the stroller lacked sufficient visible warnings. In another case, a folding mechanism on a compact model closed around a baby’s leg when the stroller was being stored in a car trunk. These kinds of accidents became more common as manufacturers began marketing strollers that prioritized ease of storage and one-handed folding designs.

In response to these recurring problems, stroller makers began prominently displaying the warning directly on the frame, often in bold capital letters. The phrase also appears in the instruction manuals and sometimes on tags near the safety harness. Although removing a child before collapsing a stroller seems obvious, the label became necessary after enough incidents proved that people were genuinely making the mistake. This entry reflects a broader theme of this list: manufacturers must protect themselves against not just possible misuse, but predictable human error.^[5]

5 “Never Use a Lit Match or Open Flame to Check Fuel Level” (Gasoline Containers)

This warning is printed on nearly every gas can, fuel tank, or gasoline-powered device you can buy. It sounds like an exaggerated caution, but people have absolutely attempted to check their fuel levels by lighting a match or using a lighter in the dark. This method has caused explosions, burns, and emergency room visits in more than one documented case. Fuel vapors are highly flammable and can ignite even from small sparks, leading to sudden and violent flare-ups.

One particularly notable case occurred in Oklahoma in 2003 when two teenage boys tried to determine how much gasoline remained in their lawnmower’s tank. With no flashlight available, they held a lit match over the opening. The resulting explosion caused burns to both boys and scorched nearby grass. Fire departments around the country began reporting similar stories, often involving individuals working in poorly lit garages or outdoor spaces at night.

In response to these accidents, manufacturers placed warning labels on gas containers and caps, advising users not to use flames or glowing objects near the tank. The warning is also now included in lawnmower and generator manuals as part of general safety guidance. The logic behind the warning is clear, but its necessity underscores how even simple tasks can become dangerous when people try to improvise with the wrong tools.^[6]

4 “This Product Is Not a Life-Saving Device” (Pool Noodles)

Pool noodles are brightly colored, foam tubes used for play and floating in water. Because they resemble flotation devices, many assume they can be relied on for safety. Unfortunately, that assumption has led to tragic consequences. In 2005, a child in Texas drowned while clinging to a pool noodle in deep water. Witnesses reported that the child lost grip of the noodle and quickly sank, and the toy itself offered no buoyant support. Following the incident, the grieving family sued the manufacturer, claiming that the product failed to warn consumers of its limitations.

That case and others like it prompted pool toy makers to include an explicit warning: “This is not a life-saving device. Do not rely on this product to keep you afloat.” The message now appears prominently on pool noodle packaging and is often molded directly into the foam itself. The label is aimed at both parents and children who may mistakenly believe the toy provides the same level of safety as a life vest or approved flotation aid. Drownings can occur quickly and silently, especially when adults are not actively supervising children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission classifies pool noodles as toys, not safety equipment. Because of this, they are not regulated under the same standards as life jackets or arm floaties. The warning label was introduced to prevent confusion and reduce liability. While it may seem unnecessary to adults who know better, it serves an important function in reminding consumers that pool toys are not protective gear and should never replace active supervision or certified flotation devices.^[7]

3 “Do Not Eat the iPod Shuffle” (Apple Product Label)

The iPod Shuffle, first released in 2005, was a tiny, screenless version of Apple’s popular music player. Its compact size, smooth plastic finish, and candy-like appearance led to widespread jokes that it looked edible. For most consumers, this was just a funny observation. However, Apple’s legal team saw potential risks. In at least one confirmed incident, a toddler swallowed part of an iPod Shuffle clip, mistaking it for candy. The device had to be surgically removed, and the incident made national news, prompting Apple to revise its safety warnings for several products.

The revised packaging and product information for the iPod Shuffle included the statement: “Do not eat iPod Shuffle.” While it may sound humorous, the warning had a serious purpose. Apple has historically taken a proactive approach to product safety, and this was especially important given the growing market of tech-savvy parents buying devices for younger children. As new iterations of the iPod Shuffle were released, the size remained small enough to be considered a choking hazard, further justifying the caution.

The label is part of a broader trend in tech product warnings. Apple has added similar messages to other products, such as AirPods, batteries, and accessories with small detachable parts. It reflects a key principle in product liability: if something can be swallowed, mistaken for candy, or misused in a foreseeable way, the company is expected to anticipate it. In this case, Apple didn’t want to risk a lawsuit over a tiny music player that some children thought was good enough to eat.^[8]

2 “Harmful If Swallowed” (Fishing Lures)

Soft plastic fishing lures often resemble gummy worms or chewy candies, especially to children and pets. Many are even scented with flavors designed to attract fish, like garlic, shrimp, or cheese. Unsurprisingly, this combination of shape, color, and smell has led to several accidental ingestions. A particularly well-documented case in 2012 involved a toddler in Michigan who found a brightly colored fishing lure in his dad’s tackle box and swallowed it. The child was rushed to the hospital and later required an endoscopic procedure to remove it from his digestive tract.

Similar incidents have occurred in other states, prompting pediatricians and poison control centers to issue advisories. Many lures are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar compounds, which can cause digestive blockages or chemical reactions when ingested. Dogs have also been affected. Veterinary clinics report cases where pets were brought in with internal injuries caused by sharp hooks left on lures that were mistaken for chew toys. The problem became so common that some brands began shipping their lures in sealed packaging with bold warning labels.

In response, manufacturers like Berkley and Rapala directly added the phrase “Harmful if swallowed” to their product labels. Some even included small icons depicting a child or dog with a line through them. This not only addressed liability concerns but also helped retailers classify the products as potentially dangerous around kids. Though it seems obvious that a fishing lure is not food, the label became necessary after enough people — and pets — proved otherwise.^[9]

1 “Do Not Put in Mouth or Rectum” (Toilet Brush Warning)

This unsettling warning has been spotted on certain industrial-grade toilet brushes used in institutional settings, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and correctional institutions. Though it sounds like a bizarre internet joke, it’s based on real incidents where individuals, often in custody or experiencing psychiatric distress, attempted to insert or ingest parts of cleaning tools. These actions led to medical emergencies and even lawsuits from families or advocacy groups claiming negligence in supervision or inadequate product warnings.

One of the most widely cited cases took place in a U.S. correctional facility, where an inmate reportedly inserted a broken toilet brush handle during a mental health episode. The incident resulted in serious internal injuries and prompted an internal review of custodial equipment safety. Following legal consultation, the supplier began labeling its products with an explicit warning: “Do not put in mouth or rectum.” These brushes were then redesigned with blunter ends and less detachable components.

The label has since appeared on products sold to hospitals, mental health institutions, and occasionally public schools. While most consumers will never see this warning on the brushes sold in regular retail stores, it’s an example of how extreme misuse—no matter how rare—can influence manufacturing practices. In highly controlled environments, where liability is high and supervision can sometimes fail, such warnings serve as legal shields and a grim acknowledgment of past incidents.^[10]