Should You Use "Magic" Erasers?

Magic erasers have been around for over a decade and remain a popular cleaning accessory. However, there has been concerns raised that this popular cleaning product contains dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde. Are these claims valid?
Snopes.com, however, has put these rumours to bed. Consider what it quotes on it's website in an article reprinted from one of the manufacturers, Mr Clean:

A recent television broadcast may have raised concerns about an ingredient in Magic Eraser. Be assured Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is completely safe when used according to directions, and poses no health risks or safety concerns.
Here are some facts about the ingredients used in Magic Eraser:

• The ingredients in Magic Eraser have been safely and commonly used for many years in a wide range of household products.
• 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.)
• Magic Eraser is considered non-toxic. As with any sponge-like product, when swallowed this product may block the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we do advise to keep this product out of the reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion — it is not a toy.
• It is possible that formaldehyde may be present in minute, trace amounts as a result of the manufacturing process. Even then, the amount present is significantly lower than standards established by governmental agencies and trade associations, and is actually less than what is found in indoor air.
• In fact, no ingredients in Magic Eraser are subject to any health-related labeling laws in North America or in the European Union.

We hope you find this information reassuring. You can continue to use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with full confidence in its performance and safety for you and members of your family.
For additional information, please call 1-800-867-2532.

So, according to independent websites, the "magic" eraser does not contain dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde. However, does that mean that it's completely safe? The following cautions may prove handy:

• Best to keep them out of the way of kids and pets since ingesting them or rubbing them on skin may cause burns or other reactions.
• Wipe up any eraser residue since contact may cause the above symptoms.
• Do not eat them, the results may not be so magic!

So, there we have it, "magic" erasers may be magic at cleaning spots/stains, however, they are not so "magic" as a food source or body lotion. Come back to Housewindowcleaning for more great tips!