"The Pointlessness of Warning Labels: A Ubiquitous Sight in the U.S."

Warning labels have become so prevalent in the U.S. that they may have lost their effectiveness. Originally rare, warning labels gained popularity in the 1960s with the introduction of cigarette warnings. However, the ubiquity of warning labels has desensitized consumers, making it difficult to discern actual risks. Effective warning labels should provide new information and be credible, but many labels fail to meet these criteria. Consumer protection advocates argue that warning labels should be a last resort and that product design should prioritize safety through risk elimination or minimization. Warning labels alone are often ineffective and should be coupled with safe design measures.