ok. this is why packages have stupid warning lables on them

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Adam8281
You guys are harshing. The Magic Eraser looks and feels like a smooth foam block. It has no odor, isn't wet with any chemical, and the packaging does not mention any chemical ingredients (like a bottle of cleaner would, for example). While it's maybe not the mark of genius, neither is it ludicrous that someone would rub it on their skin without thinking anything of it, just like you might rub a dish sponge on your skin to get off some food, or pen, etc. If a sponge contains caustic chemicals it ought to plainly say so; it's as simple as that. And no, I'm not a person who thinks obvious warning labels should be slapped on anything and everything. But from my use of the Magic Sponge, it seems like this is a legitimate case when a product should carry a warning label simply because it is NOT immediately obvious that there is any danger associated with it.

Not immediately obvious that there's no danger from it?

When the Magic Eraser can easily remove substances from certain surfaces that even some of the more powerful chemical cleaners cannot, don't you think that's a warning sign it isn't exactly the best for you? On top of that, it's a cleaning product. Any cleaning products should be treated with caution.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Adam8281
You guys are harshing. The Magic Eraser looks and feels like a smooth foam block. It has no odor, isn't wet with any chemical, and the packaging does not mention any chemical ingredients (like a bottle of cleaner would, for example). While it's maybe not the mark of genius, neither is it ludicrous that someone would rub it on their skin without thinking anything of it, just like you might rub a dish sponge on your skin to get off some food, or pen, etc. If a sponge contains caustic chemicals it ought to plainly say so; it's as simple as that. And no, I'm not a person who thinks obvious warning labels should be slapped on anything and everything. But from my use of the Magic Sponge, it seems like this is a legitimate case when a product should carry a warning label simply because it is NOT immediately obvious that there is any danger associated with it.

Not immediately obvious that there's no danger from it?

When the Magic Eraser can easily remove substances from certain surfaces that even some of the more powerful chemical cleaners cannot, don't you think that's a warning sign it isn't exactly the best for you? On top of that, it's a cleaning product. Any cleaning products should be treated with caution.

yeah. i would think this is common sense. ITS A CLEANING PRODUCT.

just because it says "magic" does not mean it is magic.

 

[Adam8281]

A $0.50 sponge is a cleaning product as well; so is a washcloth. The mere fact that the Magic Eraser is a "cleaning product" is not sufficient to render it as no-warning-necessary, not when it can cause chemical burns.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: Adam8281
A $0.50 sponge is a cleaning product as well; so is a washcloth. The mere fact that the Magic Eraser is a "cleaning product" is not sufficient to render it as no-warning-necessary, not when it can cause chemical burns.

a spnge of washcloth needssomething else to get anything clean. the eraser does not.

 

[uberman]

Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: uberman
Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

If it was attributed to superior abrasives, then you shouldn't be using anything with abrasives on bare skin in the first place.

Do you take sandpaper to your skin to remove magic marker stains?

Also, I agree that there is a valid argument that there should be a warning label because we have to cater to idiots.

That doesn't change the fact that this person was an idiot, and the fact that she reproduced doesn't bode well for us.

 

[BoomerD]

From everyone's favorite source:

"Magic Eraser
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

The microfine structure of melamine foam, creating very hard, tiny fibres which scour some surfaces clean.Magic Eraser is a cleaning product comprised entirely of Melamine foam. Despite urban claims, this cleaning product contains no other added chemicals. However, the Melamine foam is itself a crystaline chemical compound (called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer). The foam, because of its microporous properties, actually removes otherwise "uncleanable" external markings from relatively smooth surfaces. For example, it can remove crayon, magic marker, and grease from painted walls, finished wood, and hub caps.

While this does appear miraculous, it's simply a property of the kind of foam used. The open cell foam is not only microporous, but its substance, melamine, is also extremely hard. This means it is actually working like sandpaper but on a very small scale, getting into tiny grooves and pits in the subject being cleaned. Because the bubbles interconnect, its structure ends up being more like a maze of fibreglass strands than like the array of separate bubbles in, for example, styrofoam.

Melamine foam is safe to use for cleaning as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed. If applied to the skin, especially in sensitive areas such as the face, chemical burns can occur. See links below for more information.

The substance simply needs to be wetted to work properly. It does break down rather rapidly, so a given block of foam generally lasts only a single intensive scrubbing session, though it can be used repeatedly for much smaller marks.

While the name-brand "Magic Eraser" is made by Mr. Clean (Procter & Gamble), the foam itself is manufactured by BASF under the name Basotect® and was already a common product before this new use was discovered. Other companies have also begun cutting it up and marketing it for its cleaning properties, either under other names, like Coralite Ultimate Sponge, or as a generic product."

 

[uberman]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman
Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

If it was attributed to superior abrasives, then you shouldn't be using anything with abrasives on bare skin in the first place.

Do you take sandpaper to your skin to remove magic marker stains?

Also, I agree that there is a valid argument that there should be a warning label because we have to cater to idiots.

That doesn't change the fact that this person was an idiot, and the fact that she reproduced doesn't bode well for us.

I read labels and make judgements based on that for using the product. I'm saddened that I lack your keen insight to detect dangers, real or percieved, regardless of any written information.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: uberman

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman
Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

If it was attributed to superior abrasives, then you shouldn't be using anything with abrasives on bare skin in the first place.

Do you take sandpaper to your skin to remove magic marker stains?

Also, I agree that there is a valid argument that there should be a warning label because we have to cater to idiots.

That doesn't change the fact that this person was an idiot, and the fact that she reproduced doesn't bode well for us.

I read labels and make judgements based on that for using the product. I'm saddened that I lack your keen insight to detect dangers, real or percieved, irregardless of any written information.

How much keen insight is needed to know not to use cleaning products on or around your face and other sensitive areas?

"Oh, my washcloth is in the laundry, maybe I'll take a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to my balls."

 

[uberman]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman
Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

If it was attributed to superior abrasives, then you shouldn't be using anything with abrasives on bare skin in the first place.

Do you take sandpaper to your skin to remove magic marker stains?

Also, I agree that there is a valid argument that there should be a warning label because we have to cater to idiots.

That doesn't change the fact that this person was an idiot, and the fact that she reproduced doesn't bode well for us.

I read labels and make judgements based on that for using the product. I'm saddened that I lack your keen insight to detect dangers, real or percieved, irregardless of any written information.

How much keen insight is needed to know not to use cleaning products on or around your face and other sensitive areas?

"Oh, my washcloth is in the laundry, maybe I'll take a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to my balls."

You can do this if you wish; however, first read the label to see if it is safe.

 

[namelessentity]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
From everyone's favorite source:

"Magic Eraser
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

The microfine structure of melamine foam, creating very hard, tiny fibres which scour some surfaces clean.Magic Eraser is a cleaning product comprised entirely of Melamine foam. Despite urban claims, this cleaning product contains no other added chemicals. However, the Melamine foam is itself a crystaline chemical compound (called formaldehyde-melamine-sodium bisulfite copolymer). The foam, because of its microporous properties, actually removes otherwise "uncleanable" external markings from relatively smooth surfaces. For example, it can remove crayon, magic marker, and grease from painted walls, finished wood, and hub caps.

While this does appear miraculous, it's simply a property of the kind of foam used. The open cell foam is not only microporous, but its substance, melamine, is also extremely hard. This means it is actually working like sandpaper but on a very small scale, getting into tiny grooves and pits in the subject being cleaned. Because the bubbles interconnect, its structure ends up being more like a maze of fibreglass strands than like the array of separate bubbles in, for example, styrofoam.

Melamine foam is safe to use for cleaning as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed. If applied to the skin, especially in sensitive areas such as the face, chemical burns can occur. See links below for more information.

The substance simply needs to be wetted to work properly. It does break down rather rapidly, so a given block of foam generally lasts only a single intensive scrubbing session, though it can be used repeatedly for much smaller marks.

While the name-brand "Magic Eraser" is made by Mr. Clean (Procter & Gamble), the foam itself is manufactured by BASF under the name Basotect® and was already a common product before this new use was discovered. Other companies have also begun cutting it up and marketing it for its cleaning properties, either under other names, like Coralite Ultimate Sponge, or as a generic product."

Pretty much what I planned on posting. There's also something on snopes.com that's not entirely related to this, but it basically says straight from the company that it contains no harmful chemicals. The only reason it says "do not ingest" is because it's a foam and it will clog your digestive system.

I think the lady just freaked out and made up the entire poison control thing so people would sympathize more.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: uberman

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: uberman
Waggy, Thanks, this was an interesting post.

I did go to the original blog or posting and read that. I have never seen this product, but from what I've been able to deduce, it should have recieved warning labels. People report that it does not indicate having chemicals in it, so how would you know? I'd say this product was not labeled in a safe manner. Yes, I've seen ridiculous warnings on many products. This one seems to have needed one. I dont believe in magic, but could attribute its cleaning properties to superior abrasives. 3M makes some good products.

If it was attributed to superior abrasives, then you shouldn't be using anything with abrasives on bare skin in the first place.

Do you take sandpaper to your skin to remove magic marker stains?

Also, I agree that there is a valid argument that there should be a warning label because we have to cater to idiots.

That doesn't change the fact that this person was an idiot, and the fact that she reproduced doesn't bode well for us.

I read labels and make judgements based on that for using the product. I'm saddened that I lack your keen insight to detect dangers, real or percieved, irregardless of any written information.

How much keen insight is needed to know not to use cleaning products on or around your face and other sensitive areas?

"Oh, my washcloth is in the laundry, maybe I'll take a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to my balls."

You can do this if you wish; however, first read the label to see if it is safe.

and this is why we have warning such as "do not use hairdryer in the shower" or "do not try to stop chiansaw with hands"

sigh.

I don't blame the manufacter. i blame idiots.

 

[Oblivionaire]

/me stops chainsaw with teeth.

what? it doesn't say don't stop chainsaw with teeth!

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Adam8281
A $0.50 sponge is a cleaning product as well; so is a washcloth. The mere fact that the Magic Eraser is a "cleaning product" is not sufficient to render it as no-warning-necessary, not when it can cause chemical burns.

If you follow the instructions on the package, it will not cause chemical burns. Is it too much to ask for people to follow the instructions?

 

[imported_goku]

This thread is filled with idiotic, uncompassionate, clueless asses. If the product doesn't list ingredients and has warnings for one thing but not another, logic would say that it wouldn't cause any other issues. The company should have either warned of all potential issues or none at all or with a generic warning message saying 'be careful'. The product's warning labels were deceptive and infact worse than having no warning at all.

One should not fear what they don't know but what they think they know.

 

[BoomerD]

From P&G's Mr. Clean site:

" recent television broadcast may have raised concerns about an ingredient in Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Be assured 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.
Be assured Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is completely safe and poses no health risks or safety concerns when used according to directions. "

Not much sympathy for anyone who would let their child play with a ceramic glass "sandpaper" product...This is the result of stupid people, not company liability.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew
Indeed. Something that is dangerous but that is not immediately obvious -- such as this -- should have warning labels.

The range I just bought has hundreds of warnings in the manual... my favorite is "let burners cool before touching". *That* is a warning that's overkill.

I dunno, it's pretty obvious to me that any cleaning agent is potentially dangerous.

For example, the "rinse aid" that I use in my dishwasher only one warning: "Keep out of reach of children". It doesn't have any toxicity warnings or anything like that. I still know enough not to drink the stuff.

Personally I think that we should abolish all warning lables and let nature take care of itself. Seems like a very effective means of population control.

ZV

 

[Geekbabe]

The product should clearly state what the active ingredients are.

 

[Geekbabe]

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: KarenMarie

Originally posted by: waggy

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
just one thing here...

i notice that your last sentence says "stupid fvcking womEn."

i will take that as a typo and that what you MEANT to post was "stupid fvcking womAn."

Correct?

yeap. was wondering when it would come up. i expected blue1friday2 to say somehting since he/she fist got on me on the post.


i noticed it like 10 minutes after the OP heh.

Well, rest assured that there are some of us women who give our kids crayons, books and other child intended toys to play with and do our best to supervise that they use them as intended, not something stupid.

oh i know.

it just blows my mind how stupid and clueless she is. She would rather blame the company then take responsibility for her neglect.

I've used that product and honestly had no idea that it contained anything that caustic,there's nothing on the box or about the product itself that would indicate such.
The product lookes like a harmless,lightweight sponge!

 

[Iron Woode]

OK, since I have a new Mr Clean Magic Eraser, I thought I would test this out myself.

Guess what? No burns or soreness or anything like that.

Until it hurts my sensitive skin, I am going to say shens on her story.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Adam8281
You guys are harshing. The Magic Eraser looks and feels like a smooth foam block. It has no odor, isn't wet with any chemical, and the packaging does not mention any chemical ingredients (like a bottle of cleaner would, for example). While it's maybe not the mark of genius, neither is it ludicrous that someone would rub it on their skin without thinking anything of it, just like you might rub a dish sponge on your skin to get off some food, or pen, etc. If a sponge contains caustic chemicals it ought to plainly say so; it's as simple as that. And no, I'm not a person who thinks obvious warning labels should be slapped on anything and everything. But from my use of the Magic Sponge, it seems like this is a legitimate case when a product should carry a warning label simply because it is NOT immediately obvious that there is any danger associated with it.

I agree. I wouldn't have done it, but it should still have a label indicating any active chemicals. It does say keep away from children, but not why: choking hazard, burning hazard, or both?

 

[mjrpes3]

Originally posted by: marvdmartian
What a nimrod she is. I guess she missed the big letters on the package that says, "KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN"!! I just checked a package. It's in lettering 2-3 times bigger than anything surrounding it. Guess they should have put a talking chip on the package, like the greeting cards have, telling her not to let her kid touch it, eh?

christ... RTFA before you post.

From her blog on the 10th:

"I keep getting e-mails like, ?Hey, you?re a dumb-nut, my box of Magic Erasers says ?Keep out of reach of children. May cause abrasions.? That?s fantastic! Really! It is! As I stated in my original entry, I was told by the Mr. Clean company that warnings were now being printed on their packaging. Warnings on their packaging is fairly new, the box I have must have been purchased before warnings were printed, because it did not contain one anywhere. I?m thrilled they now have a warning on their packages."

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
For example, the "rinse aid" that I use in my dishwasher only one warning: "Keep out of reach of children". It doesn't have any toxicity warnings or anything like that. I still know enough not to drink the stuff.

IMHO it should be obvious to everyone that you don't necessarily want to play with rinse aid, much less drink it. I know *MANY* parents that play "clean it" games with their kids, giving them anything and everything that does not at first glance appear to be hazardous, just to try to "have fun" while cleaning. Heck, I've even seen teachers give students brillo pads to clean things -- with no harmful result. That's just one of those things that *appears* to be dangerous if you were to rub it on something inappropriately.

<shrug>

 

[SilthDraeth]

I didn't read where it said she used the eraser on herself, but that she had used it herself.

But anyways, there is a "Keep out of reach of children" label on them.

You don't need to put a label on a hammer that states "Do not use on yourself", and if you gave it to a little kid, you can be sure he might hit something he shouldn't hit with it, and hurt himself, or someone else. Same with a cleaning product.