Terminology Used

IARC: Initial for International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC is a subsidiary of World Health Organization that conducts and coordinates research into the causes of cancer.

IARC categories: IARC sorts substances into five categories, which are Group 1, Group 2A, Group 2B, Group 3, and Group 4.

Group 1: Known carcinogenic substance to humans: There are enough evidences to conclude that it will cause cancer in humans.

Group 2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans: There is some evidence that it can cause cancer in humans but it is far from conclusive right now.

Is it True That 3M Tape Contains Carcinogen?

Yes. According to a 3M official safety data sheet, the 3M vinyl tape includes four substances of Group 2B (antimony trioxide, carbon black, carbon black extraction, lead) and two substances of Group 1 (arsenic, arsenic compound).

Why does 3M Tape Contain These Carcinogens?

Some of these substances provide useful properties for 3M tape. Antimony trioxide is an excellent fire retardant; carbon improves insulation capability. The arsenic is an unavoidable byproduct of antimony trioxide.

If 3M Tape Contains Carcinogen, Will It Cause Cancer?

Not likely. The IARC classification is based only on the strength of evidence for substance's carcinogenicity, not on the relative increase of cancer risk due to exposure. In other word, the amount of exposure necessary to cause cancer is not calculated. In this case, the most carcinogenic content in 3M tape – arsenic – is below 0.01%, which is comparable to UN's maximum arsenic level for rice (0.2 milligram per kilogram).

What Should I Do To Prevent Possible Hazardous Effect of 3M Tape?

-          Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using 3M tape

-          Storage 3M tape at dry, cool area.

-          Avoid prolonged skin contact with the adhesive side of the tape. If already exposed, wash the contact point with soap and water.

-          Avoid breathing of dust or smoke caused by cutting or burning 3M tape

-          Keep 3M tape away from children

Reference:

3M Official Material Safety Data Sheet, 02/11/2005

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Policy/UN-regulation-infant-formula-lead-and-rice-arsenic

3M TAPE SHOULD BE STRICTLY APPLIED TO ELECTRICAL USE. If you are still worried about 3M tape safety, you may contact your local health department or contact 3M for technical support.

*SANYUAN IS AN AUTHORIZED RETAILER OF 3M ELECTRICAL TAPE. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF 3M TAPES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.