Is a Swiffer Dangerous to Pets?
Since 2004, email chain letters have warned pet owners of exposing their pets to Swiffer products, especially the Swiffer Wet Jet solution. Liver damage, and even death, have been cited as consequences. The ASPCA has verified that Swiffer products pose no risk to pets.
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Application
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The Swiffer solution is contained in a chamber inside the Swiffer Wet Jet mop. A button is depressed, and the solution is propelled. The user pushes the mop over the solution to clean the floor.
Ingredients
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The main ingredient in Swiffer solution is water. The ingredients of the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution are water, propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol. The product contains a one to four percent solution of ispropyl alcohol and propylene glycol. The remainder of the mixture is water.
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Exposure
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Ispropyl alcohol dries quickly. Ispropyl alcohol accelerates evaporation. Therefore, the chance of a pet ingesting the solution after application is negligible.
Propylene glycol
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Shampoo contains propylene glycol. Propylene glycol appears commercially in food and beauty products as a carrier or bonding agent. In shampoo, it is a humectant.
Misconception
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Poison reports rely heavily on the confusion between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Both are contained in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol is fatal, but is not contained in Swiffer products. Propylene glycol is classified as nontoxic by the Dow Chemical Company.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jim Reynolds Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Louise Docker Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of edwart visser
