Hazards of Using Dry Erase Boards

Dry-erase boards pose less potential health and environmental risks than the dry- erase markers and cleaning solutions that come with them, but can be difficult to recycle and therefore environmentally dangerous. As the potential dangers of dry- erase boards, markers and cleaners become clearer, more companies are focusing on the production of biodegradable, non-toxic dry-erase materials.

Environmental Hazards

• Dry-erase boards pose potential environmental hazards because of the ingredient melamine. Melamine is combined with formaldehyde to make melamine resin, a plastic mainly used for dry-erase board production. Melamine resin and its subsequent plastic is extremely difficult to recycle and is not biodegradable. EcosmartWorld reports that North American teachers alone throw out approximately 500 million dry-erase boards into landfills. Dry-erase boards then pose a significant issue in landfills.

Flammability

• Dry-erase boards do not pose specific flammability problems, but dry-erase cleaners possess a warning on the label stating the high flammable risks of the chemicals. Due to flammability, dry-erase cleaners must be kept out of heat or flame at all times.

  Dry-erase markers are also flammable due to the presence of the toxin xylene. The National Fire Protection Association assigned xylene a flammability rating of 3, a severe fire risk.

Toxins

• Xylene is a toxin that can be harmful if ingested, especially in children and young adults. Xylene also emits a noxious odor which can irritate eyes. Dry-erase markers are usually solvent-based, including solvent solutions consisting of water, alcohol, ketone and acetates. A study completed by the Duke University Medical Center states that dry-erase users are not at acute risk for solvent overexposure, but can still suffer adverse side effects if in an unventilated room. Dry-erase cleaners possess safety warnings against consumption or contact with eyes and prolonged exposure to skin.