What is a Magic Eraser and is it safe to use?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the safety and composition of Magic Erasers, specifically addressing concerns about their materials and potential carcinogenic properties. Participants explore the chemical makeup of these cleaning products and seek reliable information regarding their safety, particularly in environments with children.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that Magic Erasers may contain urea-formaldehyde, which has been banned as an insulating material, and questions whether this makes them carcinogenic.
  • Another participant dismisses the cancer concern, suggesting that the eraser will be used up before any health risks manifest.
  • A different participant challenges the previous reassurance by noting that Magic Erasers do not wear down like traditional rubber erasers and emphasizes their use around children, seeking more reliable information instead of just reassurances.
  • One participant provides links to external sources that describe Magic Erasers as made of melamine foam, suggesting that it is not carcinogenic and noting its applications in soundproofing rather than insulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of Magic Erasers. While some downplay the risks, others express concerns and seek more information, indicating a lack of agreement on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the reliability of sources cited, as well as the varying interpretations of the safety of melamine foam and its applications. The discussion also reflects differing levels of trust in available information.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in cleaning products, safety concerns regarding household items, and those seeking information on chemical compositions and their implications may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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I have heard rumours that, while these Magic Erasers (a white bar of foam like a chalkboard eraser) are truly magic at erasing almost any sort of blemish from hard surfaces - they are made of urea-foraldehyde, which, as an insulating material in houses, has been illegal for years.

Does anyone have any information on this? Are they carcinogenic in this form?
 
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Don't worry about it, I am sure your eraser will be finished off long before it can give you cancer. :rolleyes:
 
cyrusabdollahi said:
Don't worry about it, I am sure your eraser will be finished off long before it can give you cancer. :rolleyes:
Nono. They last forever. They don't wear down like rubber erasers.

Besides, these things are around children.

Rather than advice or reassurance, I'd prefer pointers to information so I can read up on it. Also means I can give references to others.
 
I had to look up what a magic eraser was. I never heard of it before. But here's what I found about what it's made of:
http://frugalliving.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=frugalliving&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunpowerusa.com%2Fmiclfaq.html

And I got to that site from this one:
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/cleaning/a/magiceraser.htm

It's made of melamine foam. Depending on whether or not you trust the information at wikipedia, here's information from them about melamine and melamine foam.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melamine

Just to add to what I've gathered from those sites, it doesn't sound like it's carcinogenic. It sounds like it's been banned as an insulating material because it isn't any good as insulation, though it's good as soundproofing (that's the other major application of this foam I'm coming across on a google search).
 
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