5 Wackiest Product Warning Labels

Ballpoint pen-chewers, take note: The cap in your mouth can obstruct breathing if swallowed. Common sense? Apparently for speakers of French, Spanish, and German. This warning appears only in the English section of the multilingual instructions from the pen manufacturer, according to the creator of the Wacky Warning Labels contest. The contest, now in its 14th year, calls out silly warning labels and fights the standard of frivolous litigation. "The lawsuit problem is a uniquely American problem," the contest creator said, "People in other countries do not sue when they cause an injury to themselves because their systems don't allow it."

The other four finalists:

• On a dust mask: "Does not supply oxygen."
• On a hot tub cover: "Avoid drowning. Remove safety cover from spa when in use."
• For would-be bicycle riders:"The action depicted in this brochure is potentially dangerous. The riders seen are experts or professionals."
• For a leather handgun holster designed to look like a personal digital assistant: "For gun only, not a functional day planner."

(More civil lawsuits stories.)