I recently received an email alleging that Swiffer Wet Jets contained an
antifreeze-like ingredient and was responsible for the death of several
pets.  This type of rumor spreads rapidly on the internet, and before
everyone here tosses out their Wet Jets, please read the following from
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals web site.
(Find yourself by going to their home page and searching on "swiffer".)
 
(BIG, I assume this is ok to post since it is a press release.)
[Moderator's note.  Yes, it's fine.  Several people attempted to post
the warning and I sent pack e-mail saying it was a hoax, but we may as
well post that here too!  BIG]
 
  [ -- press release follows --]
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.
 --/--
 
Linda Iroff
[Posted in FML issue 4514]