Swiffer WetJet Toxic to Pets
Netlore Archive: Forwarded email claims that the Swiffer WetJet disposable floor cleaner contains a substance toxic to dogs and cats
Description: Email rumor
Circulating since: May 2004
Status: False
Email example contributed by Lynn P., May 2, 2004:
|
Warning for your animal's health: I recently had a neighbor who had to have their 5-year old German Shepherd dog put down due to liver failure. The dog was completely healthy until a few weeks ago, so they had a necropsy done to see what the cause was. The liver levels were unbelievable, as if the dog had ingested poison of some kind. The dog is kept inside, and when he's outside, someone's with him, so the idea of him getting into something unknown was hard to believe. My neighbor started going through all the items in the house. When he got to the Swiffer Wet jet, he noticed, in very tiny print, a warning which stated "may be harmful to small children and animals." He called the company to ask what the contents of the cleaning agent are and was astounded to find out that anitfreeze is one of the ingredients. (actually he was told it's a compound which is one molecule away from anitfreeze). Therefore, just by the dog walking on the floor cleaned with the solution, then licking it's own paws, and the dog eating from its dishes which were kept on the kitchen floor cleaned with this product, it ingested enough of the solution to destroy its liver. Soon after his dog's death, his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver failure. They both used the Swiffer Wetjet for quick cleanups on their floors. Necropsies weren't done on the cats, so they couldn't file a lawsuit, but he asked that we spread the word to as many people as possible so they don't lose their animals. . |
Comments: I have found no evidence or documentation to substantiate this rumor. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Although the product label advises (as with all cleaning products) to "Keep out of reach of children and pets," its manufacturer, Procter & Gamble, maintains that the Swiffer WetJet Mop leaves no appreciable residue and is therefore safe to use in a household with pets, even if they lick the floor after it has been mopped.
A low order of toxicity
According to the Swiffer WetJet Material Safety Data Sheet, the product has "a low order of toxicity." It contains the following ingredients:
- Water (90% - 100%)
- Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (1% - 4%)
- Isopropyl Alcohol (1% - 4%)
- Minor Ingredients (< 1%)
- Preservatives (< 0.1%)
Propylene glycol n-propyl ether is a solvent similar to, but much less toxic than, ethylene glycol, the antifreeze ingredient always cited as a hazard to pets and children. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol, which is present in no greater than a 4% concentration in the Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution, states that the chemical has "low toxicity in animal studies" where ingested. It is also found in other household cleaning products.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has stated the following: "Propylene glycol n-propyl ether and propylene glycol n-butyl ether are very safe ingredients at levels used in cleaning products and do not cause kidney or liver failure."
Email report is anonymous, secondhand, purely anecdotal
Note, too, that the email report is anonymous, secondhand and purely anecdotal, offering no means of authenticating its central claim that three animals died as a result of ingesting the Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution - good enough reason to be skeptical.
Procter & Gamble response to the Swiffer WetJet rumor:
Question:
Are the ingredients safe?Answer:
We're glad you came to us for the facts about Swiffer WetJet. Let us assure you, this rumor is completely false. Our Wet cloths and WetJet liquid solution cleaners do not contain antifreeze or any ingredient similar to it.We have pets too and their health is very important to us. All our products have been evaluated by internal and external veterinarians and scientists, and Swiffer WetJet and Swiffer Wet cloths are safe to use around pets.
We hope you'll help us put an end to this rumor by letting others know the truth.
2004 Update: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor - May 7, 2004: "Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded."
More on pet safety and care:
About Cats: Health
From About Guide Franny SyufyAbout Dogs: Health
From About Guide Krista MifflinAbout Veterinary Medicine: Toxicology
From About Guide Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM
Sources and further reading:
NIH Household Products Database: Swiffer WetJet Advanced Cleaner
Safety information from the National Institutes of HealthMSDS: Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether
Material Safety Data SheetMSDS: Swiffer WetJet
Material Safety Data Sheet (abstract)ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
"Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded."
Last updated: 11/14/05
