Is Mexico too dangerous?

I have a destiny-like magnetism toward Mexico, but I think the country is very dangerous.(kidnapping, drug runners, marxists who hate all Americans, other violent crime) I don’t recommend my friends to go unless they must.—-Paul

I have traveled in Mexico many times and never felt threatened. I do tend to visit areas of interest rather than tourist areas where most of my time will be spent with other tourists. I leave my expensive jewelry at home and only have a drink or two.
I feel much more at risk in many major cities of the world where there is kidnapping, drug runners, and hate mongers of all varieties. I feel much safer in Mexico. Ann

My husband and I entered Mexico after a disasterous flight, ending up in the wrong city with no luggage and four hours away from our destination. We decided to take a taxi from the airport and ended up in San Miquel at 4:00 in the morning. All our information was in the luggage that was missing, so we had no contact info. All our cash was on us. The people on the street were fabulous, very helpful and concerned for our welfare – and very few even spoke English. WIthin two hours, we were in the home we rented because the residents made every effort to get us there. Mexico is as safe as any other country. It is up to the traveller to stay out of places that are troublesome and stay away from crowds that attract trouble.

Mexico is more dangerous than it has been in the past. That said, it is just like the US in that there are places you never go, other places that you only go in daylight, and places where it is safe at all times. Use your head, ask locals about safety issues/concerns and have a wonderful time.

Is there violence in Mexico? Yes. Could you be a victim of crime in Mexico? Yes. However there is also violence anywhere you travel and the United States does not have a good record in that regard either. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is much higher north of the border than visiting our Mexican friends south of the border. As an example, the State Department issued a travel alert because 16 tourists were victims of violent crime in northern Baja where 60 million come to visit each year. In the same time period 26 tourists were victims of violent crime in California State Parks. So where is the travel alert for California??? Tijuana is portrayed as a dangerous and violent city yet there are many cities in the USA like Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore where you are much more likely to be a victim of violent crime or even killed. I don’t hear anyone in the media warning travelers to any of those or other cities where tourists are attacked on a daily basis. The media has chosen to portray Mexico as a very dangerous and violent place by replaying over and over the pictures and videos of isolated events. Imagine if the media in other foreign countries were to replay over and over the videos of the multiple high school and university shootings and of police beating helpless subjects from events that had happened in the USA over time? We would see a big reduction in foreign tourism to the USA if that happened. Don’t just listen to the yellow journalism in the USA – talk to Gringos who actually travel to Mexico and the thousands who make Mexico their home today. Mexico offers a great climate, lower cost of living and ability to enjoy living in an ocean front community – a luxury out of reach by most in the USA. We need fair and biased reporting by the news media.

Thank you all for your comments. Linda’s experience is on a par with what most people have told me and my own experiences here in Mexico. I do agree that it’s important to take precautions and avoid some areas that are more prone to crime. But I think that in Mexico, as in most of the world, there are more people who want to help you than harm you.

I have been to Mexico many many times and often travelled alone. I have never ever had a bad experience with anyone. On the contrary, I have found the Mexican people to be extremely helpful and kind. I am sure Mexico,like any country has it’s share of crime but I have never seen any. However, I am also careful as I am in any Country, including my own. Go, Enjoy, have fun!

Bravo for Ron’s comment!!
I’m 3rd generation Mexican-American and when I was a teen I always heard how dangerous Mexico is so I never wanted to visit. When I turned 20 I went for the first time and quickly became addicted to Mexico. I’m 29 now and I go Mexico at least 3 times a year. Crime is everywhere it’s a global issue and I find it humorous how many Americans think that this side of the lawn is much better. I live in S.F. and at least 3 times a week I read about shootings in Oakland. I always hear stories about how their perceptions change once they visit the country. Another thing, everyone thinks I look Indian or Middle-Eastern and I have walked countless of times in Mexico City and I never felt unsafe. The beaches are great but DON’T overlook the rest: Guanajuato, Morelia, Queretaro, Guadalajara..I can so much more.

I have traveled Mexico for the last 20 years and it has definitely changed . There is an undercurrent of anti -Americanism and it has an ‘edge’ that is hard to describe . I was going to invest in homes down there but have decided to pull the plug as the bad vibe and violence/drug problem has many worried . My family is ecstatic we are not going there ,not at all the same Mexico I have known .

I’ve lived in Southern California for 29 years. Going across the border was something I would casually do on weekends without much caution. My friends and I would party in Tijuana without much concern. Even though we partied and had great times, we were cautious, stayed fairly sober and did not behave like some of the loud and boisterous “anglos” that could be seen hooting and hollering about the town. However, today you could not pay me to go across into Tijuana. The experiences of other acquintances and one minor experience I had with a police officer are enough reasons to stay away. I will go back someday as things improve. Until such time, I will go to Puerto Rico. Though it’s a bit far from Southern California you cannot beat the convenience of vacationing there. Just think, NO PASSPORT is required; English is widely spoken by most everyone; the U.S. dollar is the used currency; one does not need to worry about corrupt police; you can drink water from the tap!!! Need I say more? Oh yeah, the women and beaches are gorgeous!!!

I have traveled to Mexico 5 times now and as a Canadian have never felt that my life was in any danger.Having said that, there are areas, like in other countries where one must not venture and that is true of all countries.I found the Mexican people, on the whole, to be friendly and generous and always willing to help with directions.After having read some of the entries from other comments in this section I don’t see what the problem is and would recommend and have recommended Mexico to friends and collegues.

Come you guys, Mexico can be dangerous but i hate Anglos ideas of the outer world. Mexico it’s a nice country to go for vacations, just beware for police man sometimes they see Americans and think they can make us fools and take money. But the thinking’s that can be dangerous is like thinking in Africa cars don’t exist or that they ride in donkeys or something like that. Jus use ur common sense and everything will be well.

LOL, USA has a Big bunch of cities full of danger, every day a lot of Americans and Canadians go to Mexico without no trouble

I have lived and worked in Mexico for 6 years, in a resort area. Do I feel safe? Well, as safe as many places in the US for sure. We had a couple of shootings over the summer, drug gangs going at each other. The main effect was that now the army throws up roadblocks and checkpoints and ties up traffic for hours…without actually accomplishing anything. The “crimes” that I have fallen victim to are the fraud and duplicity of Mexican developers and sales people when I recently bought a newly constructed home here. The workmanship was defitely 4th rate at best…cracks appearing in the walls, leaky roof, moldy walls, appliances that don’t function (the home cost about 1.5K). I am constantly told “don’t worry, everything is guaranteed for one full year”. But I have to threaten them with lawyers before the will fix even the smallest thing. And even IF they fix it, it still doesn’t work!! So…. tourists, no problems for you really. Home/condo buyers, be very very careful!!

I live in monterrey mexico for 21 years and i have to warn you to stay away, it is so dangerous you have to be watching your back at all times.

The kidnappings have increased tremendously, and ironically, most of them are made by the police!!

The drug war can sometimes be dangerous but if you are not into it then dont worry at all.

But then, thousands of crimes happen everyday, and most crimes are violent, they will literally kill you for 10 bucks, so i suggest to stay away, travel to other country, right now mexico it is actually more dangerous than war zones like iraq.

Just look at the news, criminals kidnap people and cut their heads and throw them on night clubs, i mean come on…

Living in Mexico for 10 years and feeling safe means nothing. Times change, and Mexico sure has changed over the last couple of years. It has become far more dangerous. I would be very careful, especially along the border and Mexico City.

my husband and I live 250 miles from Arizona border in San Carlos (a beach resort), and we love it. All the people are very friendly and helpful, even the police are really helpful. In 2006 we traveled to 25 states in Mexico, covered almost 7000 miles, and 3 nights out of 4 slept in the back of our van (usually stopped in an all night Pemex gas station, never once did we feel in danger, even slept on the beach one night just in sleeping bags. However, with all the bad news lately I would hesitate to do it again. Here there is hardly any crime, very minor stuff, but Mexico City and the border towns are scary to me when I hear the news. But our experiences have been nothing but 100% safe. We find the people to be very helpful and in general honest. I think if you’re not hanging around with people you shouldn’t or going to places where drugs are you are okay. But it’s pays to be careful and not trust anyone. Unfortunately Mexico has changed but so has all places in the world. At least here I haven’t heard of any school shootings. Are we really safe anywhere today? Not even in US schools and universities are we or our kids safe anymore.

We are retired US teachers. We spend more than six months a year in Mexico. We have been traveling to Mexico for many years and have enjoyed the warm welcoming ways of the Mexican people. We are reasonably cautious when traveling as we are at home in NYC. We are aware of the damage caused by the drug cartels at the border and see evidence of this type of behavior in graffiti tags left by gangs in NYC as well as on Mexican walls. We choose not to live in fear but to be reasonably cautions both home and abroad. The joy of knowing other cultures far outweighs the risk. Come on down. LIfe south of the border is very good!

I have just returned from my 4th trip to Mexico. When making plans I tried to avoid known areas of kidnapping and violent activity. I travled alone and by bus once I arrived in Mexico City. Hotel rooms had been arranged in advance so I didn’t have to search for one in the dark after arriving in a town by bus. Caution and common sense are necessary where ever in the world one travels.
Of course some places are best avoided. I am currently studying my maps and tour books to plan my next trip to Mexico. So yes, visit and enjoy Mexico but be careful. Buen viaje.

While I appreciate the fairness of the resposes from our Americans, most saying that the U.S. is no better than Mexico in terms of crime, my response is “give me a break.” You are dealing with a Country where drug cartels assasinate judges and law enforcement officers with regularity and brazenly, a police force that is largely grossly underpaid and uses ancient investigative techniques, and an essentially corrupt legal system. I travel to Mexico frequently because I own interests there, but the suggestion that it compares to the U.S. in erms of crime, legal system, etc., is simply ridiculous. Look to the pay of most of their police and you will discern their problem. Most of these guys are so underpaid that it is no surprise they turn to shaking down tourists or outright robberies and kidnappings. Have fun, don’t drink to much, stay in nice places, and avoid large crowds or deserted roads and you should be okay. Don’t forget where you are.

I have been traveling to Mexico (Sonora) some 25 years now. Never have I been threatened. I have actually been a victim of the $20.00 payoff to the Federaly for “Speeding” a couple of times , but, my fault. Once, I happened to turn around in a neighborhood and realized there was a roadblock ahead. Once I had already committed to turning around is when I saw them getting into thier trucks and eventually chasing me and pulling me over. Very scary. Three trucks with about 12 policia had thier guns on me. Very scary. Once I explained to them I was just turning around and was looking for some taco’s, they saw I was not trying to avoid them. Apperently, there had been a shooting in the area previously, and they were just checking vehicles at the checkpoint.They were very nice to me and appologetic. I actually was impressed that they were going to such trouble to catch the bad guys. I still travel to Mexico with my wife and three kids. Like most of the other comments I have read here, Mexico is dangerous if you are looking for trouble. if you stay on the main roads and keep an eye out , you’ll be fine.

I think people are concerned about going to Mexico or destinations in South America because of gangs like Ms-13,Sur 13 Etc…. But like some of the people have said if you stay out out of trouble and don’t travel with expensive things you should be fine.

You could not pay me enough to cross the border into Mexico! It’s gotten progressively more dangerous in a short period of time.

Mexico should, by all rights, be one of the most advanced countries in the American hemisphere given its proximity to the U.S., its abundant natural resources, and its hard working people.

Unfortunately, it is a ceest-pool of unbridled corruption which is part of the culture.

As a result, I have no intentions of ever again visiting Mexico.

State Department Travel Alert, dated 02-20-2009.

The news even mentioned Cancun as being effected by the Cartel wars this morning.

Anyone who would say that “unbridled corruption is part of the [Mexican] culture” is obviously an ignorant racist. If you don’t have anything smart to say, don’t say anything at all. And we wonder why they hate our stupid, arrogant overweight asses!

In a related post, please check out Is Cancun Safe?

G Doak said,

“Anyone who would say that “unbridled corruption is part of the [Mexican] culture” is obviously an ignorant racist.”

Err, my wife is from Mexico and she says that corruption is part of the culture there. So are you going to call HER a “racist”?

I took a road trip last year from Houston to a town just outside Mexico City. I drove the toll road a majority of the way and I had no problems at all. With that said, I am never doing it again! It is far too dangerous and the violence is not just isolated to the border towns. Several people had their heads chopped off less than 50 miles from where I was during my stay. Mexico is a wonderful country and the people are great, but the lawlessness is unreal.

“Just because it did not happen to you, does not mean it does not exist!”

Preston,
Those guys who got their heads chopped off were not tourists minding their own business, were they? There is violence in Mexico, but tourists are not the target. You say you had no problems at all on your trip through Mexico, but the news reports about drug violence is putting you off returning. I think that’s too bad – though I certainly respect your choice not to travel in Mexico again.

People are quick to label others as racist simply for stating an opinion based on their own experiences. I find these types revolting and part of the problem. To “lure” people to Mexico at this stage is immoral. We KNOW that it has changed. I have visited it many times, most recently in December (Acapulco). The place is dangerous, end of report. Tijuana cops are criminals. end of report. The past 4 times I’ve visted TJ they’ve robbed me for simply standing, walking, riding and sitting. ENOUGH…

i’m planing on going visit my sister who is really sick in Reynosa, Mexico… But a lot of people at work are telling me not to go there because its too dangerous right now. I was born and raised there , do you think that I’m at the same risk as American people? i’m going there by car bye the way…

Great comment by Ron! Good on ya! Mexico is an enormous country spanning the entire width of the USA! We have all seen the media reporting on the drug cartel problems in the board towns of Juarez and El Paso, Texas. It saddens me to see that the US media have tarred the whole country with the same brush and are telling people that it is unsafe even to visit mexican tourist areas such as Cancun located thousands of kms away from the trouble areas. The mexican caribbean coast has always been a very safe place to visit with millions spending their beach vacations thee every year. The area is much safer to visit than most US cities and has crime statistics way below cities such as Pheonix for example. Would you ever fear for the safety of your loved ones on a vacation to Pheonix?! Didn’t think so! Losangelino does raise a point that some areas of mexico are dangerous. Stay away from those cities. The Riviera Maya, however, does not fall into that catagory.
For Miguel, the troubled areas appear to be the US/MX boarder towns so if you are set on driving to Reynosa and are dead set on driving then plan your trip very carefully and obviously stay away from El Paso.

My daughter is going on a honeymoon in June to Riviera Maya staying at a very nice resort. This was made way before all that is going on right now. If they stay at the resort and do not go off to Cancun or anywhere else will they be safe?? It is paid for but I am worried, it is not worth it. I dont know what to do?? Any advise?

I will be traveling to Mexico in April 2009. There are inherent dangers anywhere you travel abroad, Mexico being no different. Despite the increasing drug violence, Mexico still has so much to offer to its inhabitants and its visitors. Tourists would be doing themselves and the good people of Mexico a disservice by avoiding this beautiful and culturally rich destination.

Myth: Drug violence is confined to the US border cities.
Fact: All 32 states of Mexico have seen drug-related violance, whether in the thousands (Chihuahua) or just dozens (Yucatan).
Myth: Drug cartels just kill each other.
Fact: The climate of violence and illegality has been exploited by all sorts of criminals, who may or may not be related to drug trafficking. Kidnappings, car theft, burglary, fraud, street muggings are all on the increase.
Myth: The media exaggerates about the amount of crime and violence in Mexico.
Fact: I have heard shootings late at night in Mexico City from my apartment. My house has been burglared. We decided to move out and rent it. The people who rented had their car stolen with violence, just outside the house. My father was kidnapped twice. My family was not rich just professional middle class. Maybe I’m just particularly unlucky? Official crime statistics reveal that 48 million Mexicans have been victims of crime in the last 3 years. You do the math. Mexico is beautiful, visit at your own risk.

Paul w ehrbar MEXICANS DONT HATE AMERICANS THEY LIKE THEM!! THEY ARE REALLY PLEASED WHEN THEY VISIT!!
I THINK ITS ALL THE WAY ROUND!

USA TODAY reported that 57 US citizens have been executed in mass murders in USA streets since 1/09/09. That represents MORE dead US citizens, than have been documented to have been killed in the ENTIRE MEXICAN DRUG WAR in the last 6 years. Houston Chronicle reported 200+ in Feb of 09; however, I researched the database and less than 1/3rd were id’d as US citizens, and of those very few were “innocent” (i.e. were connected to drug war in spite of citizenship); unclear if they were murdered in mexico or murdered in US and dumped over the border; and only a fraction MIGHT have been tourists! As a US tourist in Mexico you are safer than in the USA by far, any day of the week BUT be careful stay outta the barrios at night, dealing drugs (gee as if you’d do that in the USA!).

I am mexican, I live at Mexico City. Mexico City and Northern Mexico are definitely really dangerous, other than that you shouldn’t worry about insecurity at mexican beaches and small towns (San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Cuernavaca, etc). If you go to Mexico City I definetely recommend getting a tour guide or always asking a native white person (i know it sounds racist but that is the way mexico is) whether the place you are planning to visit is safe or not. PS. Please feel free to correct my grammar or spelling mistakes I want to improve my english.

…this is such an american fear!! Back in Europe, Mexico is from far considered being a dangerous place. I feel a lot more confident traveling within Mexico than traveling across the US where you can get shot anytime anywhere.

Emily
UK

My son was murdered tj beach area, on march 23rd, shane pennington. he was only 19, it has been very hard as a parent, to find this situation has hapened to my son stabed 6 times . so dont know what happened down there but sure would like to know???

I like that one guys comment about Puerto Rico and not having a passport requirement. You’ll need a passport when going to Mexico.

God, Patrick. I am so sorry about your son. A parents worst nightmare for sure.

Everybody have a part of the true. and I agree visiting Mexico is more dangerous now than for 15 years ago. Unfourtunately drugs and corruption are two big issues. The very high demand of drugs north for the borders, and the export from USA to Mexico of wheapons withouth any control. of course made the situation worst now, but i disagree with the Mexican girl than tell than only white people in Mexico is not corrupt. Maybe they practice another level and kind of corruption similar as that finded on developed countries . The typ of corruption more spread in Mexico have much to do with poverty and ignorance. the white collar corruption is only practiced for politicians and country Elite

My husband has Family in Mexico City. He is adamant about taking a family vacation there. We have an 11 yr old daughter and a 2 yr old son. I am white, my husband is Mexican (but looks white). We are planning on visiting between Christmas and New Years. Should I be afraid? Because I am scared to death.

Missycal, I travel to Mexico City every chance I get – with kids in tow. There’s lots to do. Take them to Chapultepec park – lots of fun stuff for kids, like the Papalote kids museum. Just never let go of your 2 year old – that’s the same for travel anywhere! Leave any expensive jewelery and electronics at home, take a cheap camera. Don’t hail taxis on the street. Your husband’s family will take good care of you, I’m sure. It’s not half as bad as it’s made out to be. Sure there’s crime but there’s tons of great stuff to see and do as well.

What about Puebla? Is it safe for female college students with time on their own?

hi,denise
i am living in puebla and washington dc as well
i have been living in puebla since 1988 and the city has chenge a lot,”getting big very fast”
its the best schools city in the country
i think its safe enough,just avoid the traditional markets (mercados de abastos),police,and bad companies.
try to stay at school as much as possible,and for having fun at night,go with some male company.
people in puebla are not very polite but they like americans and do try to help.

Hello There!

I am Mexican, however, I currently reside in the U.S. and let me assure all of you that Mexico is a safe country. As others have mentioned, if you are cautious you should be okay. Mexicans in general love Americans and will assist you if you have any problems. Most of the violent crimes in Mexico are related to drug trafficking, therefore, if you are not involved with that I can gurantee that you will be safe. The media in the U.S., including Spanish media, portray Mexico as a lawless country with rampant crime which is far from the truth. Please visit Mexico and let my country show you how to have a good time.

I stumbled across this site and am impressed by many of the comments, both pro and con, regarding travel to Mexico – so I thought I would run something by the readers.

Our son is going to be 50 this December so, as a special gift, my wife and I are taking the entire family – 1 set of grandparents, our son and his wife, our daughter and her husband, and our 4 grandchildren to Troncones, Mexico for a week over Christmas.

The owner of the villa that we will be staying at insists that it is perfectly safe to go there at this time. However, we are hearing from many of our friends that they are avoiding the general Zihuatanejo area of Mexico (where Troncones is) at this time because of potential dangers to American tourists there – including cancelling trips and forfeiting deposits. Some of these friends even own apartments there and are intentionally not going there at this time – even though they can’t cite particular instances where Americans have been harmed there.

Any advice?

I traveled to Mexico D.F. a few years back and experieneced the bitter sweet thing. I got robbed on the subway. Didn,t feel a thing and realised it when I was going to pay the bill at a restaurant. Where is the sweet in that? Well, the restaurant manager understood… let me go without paying (I was traveling alone, no one to lend me money!) Took a cab to get back to my hostel… found someone in there to lend me money to pay. The hotel manager let me stay for a couple days without having to pay (it was Easter and NOTHING was open for family members to send me money). I was STUCK! But because of the generosity of mexicans, I had the BEST time. Everyone invited me over and I was blessed with amazing food and great hospitality. Sweet hein!?

My husband and I are planning a 4 month trip to Mexico. We’ll be driving from Canada. I cannot wait to go back and enjoy the country to its fullest!

Suzanne,
I don’t think your question is at all racist or uniquely “american” or somehow denigrates the Mexican people, as has been suggested. I think it’s a perfectly reasonable question to ask. I think any individual specimen of any species of animal either asks himself what is and isn’t dangerous, or doesn’t live long enough to produce progeny lacking the proclivity of asking such questions.
In the past, I have generally found mexicans to be helpful and kind. The culture is colorful and the people are passionate. And the land is rich and beautiful. I’ve visited at least 40 countries and I’d have to say that, besides my own country, Mexico is my favorite. Sure, the legal system is corrupt, the cops are underpaid, and the drug demand in places like Los Angeles and Dallas and New York City fuel a thriving underground economy in Mexico which causes hardship and death to many Mexicans, but unless you’re dealing with criminals you are unlikely to experience violent crime. As for petty crime, it may happen to you. Pickpockets and the like. But then that could also happen to you in Amsterdam or New York or Shanghai or anywhere else.
Obviously no one can promise you that you won’t be beaten or raped or robbed or murdered. But you can minimize your risks by using good judgment. Keep in well-lit areas at night. Avoid those green taxis in the DF, and avoid bus station areas at night, don’t carry more cash than you can afford to lose, and leave the good jewelery at home. Avoid bad neighborhoods. And be polite. Try to remember that most petty crime arises from wealth inequality and not some intrinsic malevolence. The world’s a big, scary place, but if you’re like most folks the advantages of getting to know it outweigh the occasional inconveniences you will undoubtedly encounter. I have found that everywhere I go the number of folks who love practicing English and like to help far outnumber those who would steal from me.
I have visited to the mexican republic many times, probably 35 or so times in the past 20 years. Been to 22 of the 31 estados so far, usually solo, once staying for as long as 2 months on a stretch, and I have entered from many different points in my own car, from California, Belize, Guatemala, and several spots in Texas, but I have only stayed in the DF twice. Once for three days (flying in) and once for five days (arriving by car from the south). I stayed at Hotel Congresso both times–a little sleazy, but the price was right–and enjoyed it. I never passed up the opportunity to sample the Mexican alcohol, get laid, or see some fantastic sights. And except for some nasty hangovers and some mad dashes through unfamiliar barrios to get away from some bimbo I’d gone home with the night before, I generally had a great time. I can see why some might be put off by the federal district. Asthmatics should probably avoid it during the dry season. And if you hate crowds you might opt for some deserted stretch of the Oaxaca coast rather than the Zocalo during Santa Semana. But with efficient public transit, informative museums, great shopping, and great food, most folks would have a great time in Mexico City. I know I did during my visits.
I’m very obviously a foreigner– pale pink skin, blue eyes, yellow (now graying) hair, and I usually am stoned or drunk and often wear floral shirts and such–so I know I really stick out as a tourist. I’ve come to accept long ago that in places like Mexico and China and most of the places I’ve visited I’ll stand out as a foreigner, and therefore as somebody who can afford, and will seek out, a good time. I get propositioned by whores and drug dealers everywhere I go, and yes it gets old, but I’ve never had any real problems in Mexico, or experienced any anti-Gringo hysteria. Been hassled by the cops a few times. La mordita. That sort of stuff, but honestly, I was usually doing something stupid. Something that I’d never do in the USA and if I were caught doing it here I know that the penalty would be much harsher, so I don’t complain about that. But I’ve never encountered any of targeted crime or racism or general insecurity that folks are commenting about. I realize that all this is anecdotal, and unscientific, and as has been said: just because it ain’t happened to me doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Still, I think that the crime must not be as prevalent as the newspapers would lead you to believe.
As far as the state department’s warnings, I’d say that they’re useful, but usually overkill. Not unlike the Material Safety Data Sheets you get with solvents. Ever read the MSDS of water, for example? If you really took it to heart you’d die of thirst.
Tell your readers to use common sense, but don’t let fear rule their lives.