Are Expo markers bad for you?

Are Expo markers bad for you?

The ink in Expo markers have a petroleum chemical called Xylene which gives off the unpleasant smell many of us associate with whiteboard and permanent markers. Not only does it irritate your skin, but xylene is also absorbed into your bloodstream when inhaled and can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness.

What chemicals are in dry erase markers?

Three main chemicals are found in dry erase markers: SD alcohol-40, isopropanol and resin.

  • SD Alcohol-40. Specially denatured alcohol-40 is a form of ethyl alcohol, or ethanol.
  • Isopropanol. Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is another chemical found in dry-erase markers.
  • Resin.

Are dry erase markers cancerous?

EXPO dry erase markers with scented ink The markers, purchased on Amazon, were found to have traces of BTEX, which refers to four chemicals that have been linked to liver, kidney and immune system damage. One of the four chemicals, benzene, is a carcinogen.

Are whiteboard markers safe?

Some whiteboard markers contain a harmful chemical called methyl isobutyl ketone, which irritates the eyes and nose, causes feelings of weakness, dizziness, headaches, vomiting and other problems due to short term uses. That’s why be careful and keep these markers away from your skin.

Is it bad to smell dry erase markers?

Droscha, however, says the markers, which smell like a cross between paint thinner and diesel fuel, pose no health risks. While sniffing toxic fumes can damage the liver, lungs, kidneys, and brain, McCall doubts that the markers could be a problem “unless they are purposely misused over a long time.”

Are dry erase markers bad for you?

Yes, they are harmful. Some whiteboard markers contain Xylene and Toluene, the harmful chemicals that can irritate the eyes and nose, cause feelings of weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and coordination problems through short-term use.

What is the difference between dry erase markers and whiteboard markers?

Is a Whiteboard the Same as A Dry Erase Board? When it comes to whiteboard vs. dry erase board, the truth is that they are the same material. The materials they’re typically made of include melamine, porcelain and glass.

How long does a whiteboard marker last?

When not in use, EXPO markers stored horizontally with caps installed tightly will last approximately 2-3 years. Yes, depending on the extent of solvent loss, the markers can often be restored. Place the cap back on the marker tightly and store tip down for 24 hours.

Do dry erase markers kill brain cells?

WHITEBOARD MARKERS DON’T CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE; THEY DO STAIN unless they are purposely misused over a long time.” Hmmm so an occasional whiff of your fruit-scented “Mr.

What kind of chemicals are in dry erase markers?

Chemicals in Dry-Erase Markers 1 SD Alcohol-40. Specially denatured alcohol-40 is a form of ethyl alcohol, or ethanol. 2 Isopropanol. Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is another chemical found in dry-erase markers. 3 Resin. Resins are typically derived from plants, and are sticky or solid in their natural state. …

Is it safe to use dry erase markers?

The solvent in dry erase markers will even take permanent markers off other surfaces. But there are chemicals in some dry erase markers that can pose a health risk, especially to anyone who is sensitive to inhalants.

What makes a dry erase marker stick to a whiteboard?

The other main ingredient in dry erase markers is the ink or pigment. This is what you see on the whiteboard. What allows dry erase markers to easily erase from whiteboards is the type of pigment polymer used. Some polymers are “stickier” and cling to surfaces much stronger. These kinds of polymers are found in your Sharpie permanent marker.

What happens if you breathe in dry erase marker?

Inhaling the fumes of a dry-erase marker can cause both long-term and short-term health hazards, such as irritation to the mucous membranes, confusion and possibly kidney or liver problems. Resins are typically derived from plants, and are sticky or solid in their natural state.

Do dry erase markers harmful to health?

But there are chemicals in some dry erase markers that can pose a health risk, especially to anyone who is sensitive to inhalants. The dry erase marker is an evolved form of the wet marker. A wet erase marker is used for overhead projector transparencies and was originally used on whiteboards and other plastic-like surfaces.

What are markers toxic?

Many dry erase markers contain a toxic soup of ingredients, but the chemical you want to watch out for most is methyl isobutyl ketone , also known as 2-Butanone . The Environmental Protection Agency cautions that exposure can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and is associated with neurological, liver, kidney and respiratory problems.

What is dry erase ink?

The ink used for dry erase markers has a combination of pigments and release agents. It is these agents that stop the pigment particles from sticking to the whiteboard and other non-porous surfaces. The ink is a combination of pigment, release agents and chemical solvent. Although these markers are non-toxic, the pigment will stain clothes and skin.