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Cleaning Up:  Magic Eraser - can be hazardous  |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 12:09:03 PM
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I received an email today warning mothers and grandmothers that using Magic Eraser to remove crayon from walls can burn skin. It said that a lot of times, children want to help clean the walls, and many have gotten burned on the hands and face from the chemical toxin in the applicator.
The email even said that the mother called Poison Control, and was told how to relieve and stop the burning long enough to get the child to the emergency room. The Poison Control Center said they have had many such calls.
If this is indeed true, please take care with using this product!
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Brew Crew
True Blue Farmgirl
676 Posts
Molly
Arizona
676 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 12:10:42 PM
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Wow, this is news to me! I use it all the time. I wasn't even aware that there was a chemical in it? I thought it was the structure and substance of the sponge itself that did the cleaning! I will have to google it and figure it out!
"There is a Happy Dale far, far away. . ." -Arsenic and Old Lace |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 3:25:37 PM
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here is what I found on it:
"I had to do some digging to find information regarding this product. Nowhere did I locate an ingredients list. However, I learned much more than I expected during my research.
There are the usual cautions: “Keep out of reach of children. Keep out of reach of toddlers and pets to avoid accidental ingestion. Do not use on skin or other parts of the body. Using on skin will likely cause abrasions.” Also, “If using for dishwashing, rinse dishes thoroughly. Do not use with chlorine bleach.”
The manufacturer recommends testing this product in an “inconspicuous spot with light pressure to see if surface may scratch or dull”. Do not use this product on polished, glossy, brushed, satin, dark or faux surfaces or finishes.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) says that this product is non-toxic. It further says, “Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract may occur if swallowed.
Eye Contact: Dust from foam may cause mechanical irritation.
Skin: Dust from foam may cause mechanical irritation.
Inhalation: Dust from foam may cause irritation of the respiratory track.
Ingestion: If the sponge is ingested, contact a physician or veterinarian immediately. Intestinal blockage may be life threatening to some household pets.
Eye Contact: In case of eye irritation, flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Skin: In case of skin irritation, flush affected area thoroughly with water and apply a cold compress. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Inhalation: If respiratory irritation occurs, move from the site of exposure to an area with fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.”
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. "
also from: http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=2906
it contains Formaldehyde-Melamine-Sodium bisulfite copolymer
not something I think I would want to use in my home.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 3:28:13 PM
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ETA a better site for formaldehyde info: http://ehs.uconn.edu/Word%20Docs/Formaldehyde%20Hazards%20and%20Precautions.pdf
*Health Hazards
When present in the air at a concentration above 0.1 parts per million, formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, nausea, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, allergenic reactions, and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and may cause cancer in humans. It is also a possible mutagen and teratogen. It is highly toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed though skin or mucous membranes.
Formaldehyde reacts vigorously with oxidizers and, at its highest concentrations, is a combustible liquid. In addition, formaldehyde reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce bis (chloromethyl) ether vapor, a very potent carcinogen.
Eye and Skin Exposure
Formaldehyde is corrosive, and the eyes are especially vulnerable. An air concentration of two parts per million (2 ppm) is quickly irritating to the eyes, and 20 ppm can cause permanent clouding of the cornea after only one exposure. Formaldehyde is also a sensitizing agent. Subsequent exposures can produce symptoms more quickly and at lower concentrations. Symptoms of exposure may include coughing, eye or skin irritation, allergic reactions, vomiting, and diarrhea. *
the info on Melamine: http://www.physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/ME/melamine.html * Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure may cause cancer or reproductive damage. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant.*
and Sodium bisulfite:http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/s3074.htm
*Inhalation:
Causes irritation to the respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. May cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Ingestion:
May cause gastric irritation by the liberation of sulfurous acid. An asthmatic reaction may occur after ingestion. Large doses may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pains, circulatory disturbance, and central nervous system depression. Estimated fatal dose is 10 gm.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation, redness, and pain. Contact may cause irreversible eye damage. Symptoms may include stinging, tearing, redness, swelling, corneal damage and blindness.
Chronic Exposure:
No information found.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Some individuals are said to be dangerously sensitive to minute amounts of sulfites in foods. Symptoms may include broncho constriction, shock, gastrointestinal disturbances, angio edema, flushing, and tingling sensations. Once allergy develops, future exposures can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough.*
yeah, no thanks.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
Edited by - GaiasRose on Aug 30 2007 3:39:05 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 8:12:41 PM
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Just so you all know- for most things Baking Soda will work just as well as the "Magic Eraser" and is non toxic. You can also use a simple pink school eraser for several things and if you need to get crayon off the wall, a baking soda paste as well as a hair dryer are your best friends.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 08:47:28 AM
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um, the info I provided has nothing to do with what the email had...i did the research. this is what is in them. FORMALDEHYDE, MELAMINE and SODIUM BISULFATE
I did the research out of curiousity. I personally DO check snopes for everything that comes into my emial in terms of stuff like that, but because teaching green cleaning is WHAT I DO, I have figured out how to research products to find the true answer. The FACT is, it contains toxic and caustic chemicals and has the potential to harm you. While the email may be bunk, the fact that it has harmful chemicals in it, is not bunk.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 11:09:21 AM
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This issue was covered on the news in my area and research by independent labs not associated with the producer has proven over and over that this is a hoax. The company is supposedly taking legal action against those who perpetuate it because it's libel or something. My sister said she read the same thing in a highly-respected magazine. I use it all the time, with my bare hands, and have had no problems. Same thing with my dd, who is allergic to lots of chemicals.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please email me for all your Mary Kay needs! |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 12:31:31 PM
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i never said this wasn't a hoax, re-read my last post. The fact remains that it does contain chemicals that aren't great for us, despite whether or not they cause immediate damage when using the product.
So many women here are looking for easier and greener, non-toxic ways of cleaning and both Alee and I have pointed out something very simple to use, and I have pointed out the danger of the chemicals that ARE IN THIS PRODUCT. If you are going to use it, great, but know what you are using before touting that it is okay to use, when really, it isn't; especially when there are easier and green, safe ways to do the very same things that this "magic eraser" does. Don't tell others about how green you live with your cleaning, or go using something green when all you are going to do is negate it by using something that IS potentially dangerous. It's like using a natural laundry detergent but then using bleech along with it, or a commercial fabric softener. It's really just stupid and you'd be wasting your time using something green only to negate it by following it with something toxic.
use what you want, but the danger is there.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 1:27:28 PM
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Tasha you can't hear or see my expression, but I'm am being sincere here and genuinely interested. Can you tell me what the source of your information is with regard to the "magic eraser"?
Thanks!
Di |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 1:39:58 PM
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When I got the email that prompted this topic, it said in the body of it that snopes had been checked and it was not a hoax. But that can always be a lie, too! Who knows? I have only checked out snopes once, usually my nephew does it for me. However, I just put the topic out for conversation and to help someone in case it was true.
Information can always be discussed openly and sincerely, and so many of you gals have really done some good research on this topic! I admire you all for that, as it is so important to keep our little ones safe.
I think the message to be heard here, is if you are using magic eraser, which does work great, use gloves and do not let your children help out. Clean the marks when they are not present. It might be tempting to say "You marked on the walls, now please help me clean it off." But cleaning with a glove used by an adult should be safe.
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Aug 31 2007 1:44:27 PM |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 2:16:40 PM
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Sorry Tasha, I missed the initial post with the link. Getting old, what can I say...
Well, I think from what I've read that I will toss the sample pack I got in the mail in the garbage (or is it toxic waste?). For me personally, it's just not worth it. Too bad as it really did work.
Diane |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 2:35:04 PM
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Formeldihyde is found in LOTS of things including TOOTHPASTE!
If you look at the MSDS here http://hpd.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16003620
Warning from
Product Label: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF TODDLERS & PETS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL INGESTION.
Acute Health Effects: From MSDS
Health Hazards: This product is considered to be non-toxic
Ingestion: Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract may occur if swallowed.Eye Contact: N/A
Skin: N/A
Inhalation: N/A
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Ingestion: May cause irritation and/or blockage of the gastrointestinal track.
Eye Contact: Dust from foam may cause mechanical irritation.
Skin: Dust from foam may cause mechanical irritation.
Inhalation: Dust from foam may cause irritation of the respiratory track.
Chronic Health Effects: MSDS:
MSDS provides no information about chronic health effects resulting from prolonged or frequent use of this product. Because the MSDS does not list all of the actual chemical ingredients, chronic effects cannot be predicted. (See the accompanying chemical database for a further discussion of potential health effects of the chemical ingredients that are mentioned in the MSDS.)
Carcinogenicity: MSDS:
Not subject to warning labeling under California Proposition 65.
First Aid: FIRST AID
Ingestion: If the sponge is ingested, contact a physician or veterinarian immediately. Intestinal blockage may be life threatening to some household pets.
Eye Contact: In case of eye irritation, flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Skin: In case of skin irritation, flush affected area thoroughly with water and apply a cold compress. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Inhalation: If respiratory irritation occurs, move from the site of exposure to an area with fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
Health Rating: 0 Flammability Rating: 1
Reactivity Rating: 0
HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;
N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard
The biggest risk is the foam like material being a choking hazard if swallowed. A regular sponge poses the SAME threat! Most of us are not swallowing these!
Please look above and notice that the health risk is listed as a 0.
Now look at this MSDS for Crest BakingSoda Toothpaste. I have hi-lighted some of the interesting parts as well as the health rating. We would be better off scrubbing our teeth with a Magic Eraser than using toothpaste!
Warning from
Product Label: Warnings: Keep out of reach of children under 6 yrs. of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Acute Health Effects: From MSDS: Potential Health Effects:
Eye - May produce transient superficial eye irritation.
Skin - Prolonged contact may produce transient irritation.
Inhalation - NA
Ingestion - Nausea and vomiting may occur within minutes, and diarrhea and mild GI irritation may occur
up to 24 hours after ingestion of amounts of 1 oz or more. Ingestion of larger amounts (> 3oz in
children; > 8 oz in adults) may cause symptoms of fluoride toxicity.
Emergency Overview: This white paste or blue gel may produce transient eye irritation. Ingestion of small amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, and mild GI irritation; ingestion of larger amounts may cause symptoms of fluoride toxicity which should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Chronic Health Effects: MSDS: No information provided.
Carcinogenicity: MSDS: None
First Aid: FIRST AID
#65533; Eye - Rinse thoroughly with water.
Oral irritation - Discontinue use, See physician or dentist if symptoms persist
#65533; Skin - Rinse with water.
#65533; Ingestion - If a small amount (1 to 3 oz in children; 2-8 oz in adults) has been ingested, administer milk (water or other liquid if milk is not available) to dilute stomach contents. If a large amount (> 3 oz in children; > 8 oz in
adults) has been ingested, administer milk (water or other liquid if milk is not available) to dilute stomach contents and contact a medical professional for further advice.
#65533; Inhalation - NA
Health Rating: 1 Flammability Rating: 0
Reactivity Rating: 0
HMIS Rating Scale: 0 = Minimal; 1 = Slight; 2 = Moderate; 3 = Serious; 4 = Severe;
N = No information provided by manufacturer; * = Chronic Health Hazard
MSDS Date: 2000-01-04
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
BLOG
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
Edited by - willowtreecreek on Aug 31 2007 2:36:54 PM |
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Carol
Moderator/MaryJane's Design Diva
452 Posts
Carol
Moscow
Idaho
USA
452 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 2:47:59 PM
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Hi girls.
Please remember that everyone is providing information here simply to be helpful. Please remember to not make it personal or take it personally. Glean what you want or need out of the information provided. And thank you all for all of your great research AND for sharing!!
Carol
"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, red wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'"
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 4:28:30 PM
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From the Mr. Clean web site:
Formaldehyde is not and has never been an ingredient in Magic Eraser. One ingredient in Magic Eraser (formaldehyde-melamine- sodium bisulfite copolymer) contains the word "formaldehyde" in its chemical name. However, this ingredient is not formaldehyde and poses no health or safety risks. Think of this name like "sodium chloride", which is table salt. Sodium by itself can be dangerous, but sodium chloride - salt - is safe.
I am not a chemist and cannot give any informed opinion as to whether the company is just making this up or not. I would think that they would be corrected by SOMEONE if there were any facts to the contrary.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 5:05:17 PM
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I'm not trying to be disagreeable, Tasha, but I think maybe we are getting alarmed unnecessarily.
I think the web site you provided, the NIH (National Intitutes of Health), which IS a government web site, shows that this chemical compound is NOT the same as the individual chemical components that make it up... According to their database, the only product that contains that particular compound is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. There are LOTS of products that contain formeldahyde, why aren't they listed here, if formeldahyde is in Magic Eraser? You can use the "browse alphabetically" function at the top of the page, look under "F", and scroll down to Formeldahyde. You see LOTS and LOTS of products listed. One of the first on the list is "ALEENE's school glue" YUCK I think about all the glue I used to eat when I was in school!
So the NIH says that Formeldehyde is NOT THE SAME thing that is in the Magic Eraser.
I know from other things that some chemical compounds are extremely stable and don't break down, others are more short-lived.
My own experience with the Magic Eraser is this: I burned a frying pan full of grease on my stove and smoked up my kitchen pretty good, ruining the wallpaper and putting a thin layer of sooty grease all over the range hood and the cupboards. The wallpaper was easily replaceable, but the range hood and cupboards were a little more expensive. We don't generally turn things in to insurance as we keep a high deductible, so I tried cleaning it up myself. I tried everything, including baking soda, ammonia, vinegar, various soft-scrub cleansers, Bartender's Friend, citrus-type degreasers, that green stuff, Formula 409, until finally I tried the Magic Eraser. It really did work like magic! Although it did seem to crumble a lot and I ended up using several of them to get the job done.
Since then I keep one in the cupboard for really hard cleaning jobs. I don't use it all the time but it is nice to have on hand. I don't think my grandson is in any danger of eating the sponge, although if it were yellow he might kiss it thinking it was Sponge Bob Squarepants!
Blessings, and thanks for trying to keep us safe.....I appreciate that there are other products that can be used to clean that are less controversial and have been used safely for hundreds of years. Thanks for sharing those with us...
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 5:58:08 PM
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I do not think there is unneccesary alarm in this product. There are a number of websites, when you google the entire copolymer chain, that state, in fact that formaldehyde was used in creating this product. You cannot hove this copolymer without the use of formaldehyde....it's like saying that parts of CFCs aren't present in the atmosphere, even though they are necessary to make CFC's. Get what I mean.
Just because it has broken down enough int he chain, does not mean it wasn't used to make the product. That is just not something I owuld like to see any of you have to deal with, ESPECIALLY when there are safer alternatives that do the same job.
Keeping toxin free is my second biggest agenda so I do what I can...
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 6:12:56 PM
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Tasha you make some good points. You are correct that their are alternatives out there. I think it is great that you choose the alternatives. I think it is wonderful that we live in a place where we can make choices like this. You are always full of information and would be my "go to girl" if I needed some information in several different areas.
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
BLOG
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2007 : 11:39:40 PM
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I love Magic Eraser! It works great for taking the soap scum off shower doors. I've never used gloves and haven't had a problem with it bothering my skin. I have tried baking soda paste, white vinegar, borax, and other things but nothing worked as well for me. Thanks to everyone for sharing all the information and helping us to make an informed decision.
http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Visit my Etsy Shop! http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2007 : 7:07:57 PM
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I think it's important to use products we are comfortable and feel safe with.
I think it's equally important to the company that produces a product to be fair to them, not ignoring fact, etc, and not passing on information that is not accurate. Just because something is not "safe enough" for your use or there are "safer" options doesn't make the original product unsafe or hazardous.
Also, to continue to ignore fact and keep claiming that something is unsafe when it has been proven not to be is unfair to the people you scare half to death.
For the record, I called the 1-800 number for poison control and the lady I spoke with (Carol) said that they have had calls on this story and it is NOT true. They have NOT had problems with this product.
She said it is yet another chain email that is used to collect email addresses by unscrupulous companies. She didn't explain and I don't know how it's done, but evidently the original senders track these messages to get email addresses to sell to other companies.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
Please email me for all your Mary Kay needs! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2007 : 09:38:15 AM
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Man o man - wish I had never started this topic!!! Hope somehow it helps someone!
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Cleaning Up: Magic Eraser - can be hazardous |
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Magic Eraser - can be hazardous
