ASPCA quashes Swiffer toxicity rumors

Cleveland -The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center rebuts rumors that Swiffer WetJet is toxic to pets that come in contact with recently cleaned floors.

According to Internet-circulated rumors, a German Shepherd was euthanized and a necropsy showed it had "unbelievable liver levels." In addition, two cats allegedly died surrounded by suspicion of chemicals in the product, the ASPCA reports on its Web site.

There is nothing to be concerned about regarding the cleaning agent, says Dana Farbman, CVT, ASPCA senior manager of client and professional relations.

"We certainly have received inquires regarding the rumor," Farbman says. "There is nothing in the components that would cause liver failure."

Ethylene glycol is one of the ingredients in the cleaning agent, but is not used at a high enough concentration to cause damage, ASPCA reports.

"If the product is used as instructed, as any cleaning agent, there isn't any risk that we can see at this time," Farbman says.

Ethylene glycol, a toxic ingredient in most antifreeze products, often is the indicated cause of renal failure after ingestion, not liver failure, Farbman adds.

"The product is mostly water with less than 4 percent concentrations of chemicals," Farbman adds. "These aren't new chemicals in this product, they're mainly alcohols."