Swifter Wet Jet and Pet Warning

[DisneyBug1995]

I ran into one of my friends at the grocery store yesterday. After telling her that we recently had a cat that we had to have put to sleep because of liver failure, she told be she had read on the internet that Swifter Wet Jets can cause liver failure because they contain an ingredient similar to anti-freeze. I do use the swifter wet jet all the time so I am concerned for my other cats and did some research on the internet. I did find several sites where someone has said that they used the swifter wet jet and they had to have there dog put to sleep because of liver failure do to the swifter wet jets but each story was the same with minor details changed. I also found on snopes that this is a hoax. I was just wondering if anyone has any other articles supporting or disclaiming this theory. I am just concerned for my other 3 cats and I don't want to be using something that might me hurting them.

 

[Gaspode]

Hi there,

Not sure about the wet jet but would you happen to have fresh flowers in your house sometimes?? These can be very harmful to cats and cause liver/kidney failure. Especially lillies (unfortunately since I have three cats and love lillies).

See the link in my signature for more information.

:hugs: for you for losings your pet

Best Wishes,
Gaspodé

 

[bananiem]

According to Snopes it's false. I tend to believe them.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/swiffer.asp

 

[DisneyBug1995]

Not sure about the wet jet but would you happen to have fresh flowers in your house sometimes?? These can be very harmful to cats and cause liver/kidney failure. Especially lillies (unfortunately since I have three cats and love lillies).


No I don't have any plants or flowers in my house. I do have one cat you likes to eat them so I got rid of all of my plants several years ago.

 

[DisneyBug1995]

I did read the snopes article but was hoping to find another article to support it as well.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

From the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/site/News2?pag...urity=2220&news_iv_ctrl=2661&AddInterest=TRUE

 

[Tigger_Magic]

You can also purchase pet grass kits online or from some pet stores. These kits grow grass that is safe for cats to eat. We use it for our cats.

 

[nliedel]

Without a valid study all the reports are anecdotal. You just don't know what the others issues may be that are similar.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

So, what is in the Swiffer Wet Jet formula? According to the maker...

90-100% WATER
1-4% Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether
1-4% Isopropyl Alcohol
1% Other minor Ingredients
1% Preservatives

Both ethylene glycol (quite poisonous, and sweet tasting) and propylene glycol (tasteless and fully edible) are used in anti-freeze, the latter one used in Sierra and in RV antifreeze, as well as an extender in low calorie syrups, sodas, etc.

However, neither of these are the same as propylene glycol n-butyl ether, which is a glycol ether and a completely different class of chemicals. As it turns out, propylene glycol n-butyl ether has a very benign toxilogical profile, making your safety conclusions correct. However, its close cousin, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether is a listed terratagen (a substance that can cause anomalies in a developing fetus.) However there is no evidence indicating that either one is harmful to a non-pregnant adult of any large mammal species.

According to Urban Legends site: 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."

P&G recommends not letting children or pets on the floor while it is still wet, but that there is no residue when dry. That's what the isopropyl alcohol is supposed to do - help it dry faster.

Snopes makes a case for several reasons that this message may have been circulating. The product is made by Procter & Gamble. Any anti-P&G message have to be checked. There are people who thoroughly believe, despite the fact that the old rumor has been thoroughly discredited, that P&G is a company dedicated to Satan. The original rumors were finally traced back to an Amway rep many years ago, but the company is still hated by many.

 

[Aimeedyan]

It's a hoax - that stuff is mostly water!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Hoax or not, my dogs' liver values (we get their blood tested frequently) were elevated when we used the Swiffer Wet Jet product in the kitchen. After I stopped using it, they went back to normal.

I try to only use natural cleaners now. It's just better for everyone in the house.