Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor is an Urban Legend...

Once again I continue to caution everyone concerning the misinformation that is spread by e-mails. Here is the media release from the ASPCA concerning an e-mail hoax that has been circulating for several years now.



Media Contact: Dana Farbman, CVT
(217)-337-9751
napcc@aspca.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Urban Legend: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Debunks
Swiffer Wet Jet Rumor

-- Veterinary Toxicologists continue to regard allegations of liver failure
and death from household cleaner as unfounded --

(Urbana, IL) October 12, 2005 - In response to a recurrent rumor involving
the relationship between the use of Swiffer Wet Jet and liver failure in a
dog, veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center have
reasserted their position regarding the safety of Swiffer Wet Jet after the
claim made in a widely distributed email alleging that exposure to the
product's ingredients 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 public should be aware that not all information sent via email or
posted on the Internet is necessarily accurate," advises Dana Farbman, CVT,
spokesperson for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "Therefore, it's
always a good idea to verify any information regarding pet health concerns
with a veterinary professional."

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
.

# # #

For over 27 years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has been the
premier animal poison control center in North America. The Center, an
allied agency of the University of Illinois, is the only facility of its
kind staffed by 24 veterinarians including 5 board-certified veterinary
toxicologists and 14 certified veterinary technicians. Located in Urbana,
Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and
specific analysis and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining
to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. In 2004, the Center handled over 95,000 cases. In
addition, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides extensive
veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects including legal
cases, formulation issues, product liability, regulatory reporting and bio
surveillance. To reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, call
1-888-426-4435. For more information on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center visit www.apcc.aspca.org . (1/05)