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Rumors of Swiffer
Wet Jet deaths unfounded
It was recently brought to my attention by one of my clients of an internet rumor that Swiffer Wet Jet causes animal deaths. This is a hoax likely perpetrated by a competitor. The rumor is that Swiffer Wet Jet contains ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and causes acute liver failure. First of all, it does not contain antifreeze at all. Also, antifreeze causes kidney failure, not liver failure so the mechanisim of toxicity is all wrong. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Poison Control Center researched and found no evidence of any toxicity. An excerpt from the ASPCA website follows followed by the hoax story. A few years ago a similar rumor circulated about Febreeze which is also completely untrue as well.
While the internet
is a wonderful technology useful for the dissemination of information,
less altruistic people can also use it to anonymously spread lies. If
you ever get an e-mail or see information that could potentially cause
harm to your pet, please contact us.
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Responds to Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
Friday May 7, 2004
Veterinary Toxicologists regard allegations of liver failure and death from household cleaner as unfounded.
Media Contact: Ruth
Goldstein
(212) 876-7700 ext. 4661 Dana Farbman, CVT
(217) -337-5030 ext. 751
_____________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Urbana, IL) May 6, 2004 -- Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have reviewed the claim described in a widely distributed email alleging a relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a dog. The email alleges that exposure to the ingredients in Swiffer Wet Jet caused a dog's death.
The Swiffer Wet Jet system contains water (90-100%), propylene glycol n-propyl ether or propylene glycol n-butyl ether and isopropyl alcohol (1-4%).These ingredients are safe to use around pets when used according to label directions and would not cause liver damage at product concentrations. Propylene glycol n-butyl/propyl ether differs significantly from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient present in most antifreeze products. Ethylene glycol is frequently implicated in causing renal failure in dogs following antifreeze ingestion. 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.
The ASPCA will continue
to monitor this situation and will post any additional information as
it becomes available. Please call 1-888-426-4435 if you have any questions
or have a pet that you suspect is experiencing problems, or visit us at
www.apcc.aspca.org.
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The Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor
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 Wetjet, 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.
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These lies involving our furry friends are infuriating. If you see or hear any of these rumors please e-mail Dr. Horn at:
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