What Are the Dangers of Using Dry Erase Boards?
The greatest dangers of using dry erase boards arise not from the boards themselves but from the markers and cleaners. Some dry-erase markers and whiteboard cleaners may contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs, such as methyl isobutyl ketone, n-butyl acetate and butyl-cellusolve, which can be irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that high concentrations of these compounds indoors can be dangerous and are sources of pollutants in schools.
Dry-Erase Boards
Whiteboards or dry erase boards may be responsible for environmental dangers. Many dry erase boards contain melamine, which is combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a durable plastic used for producing whiteboards. According to Arthur Evangelista, Ph.D., of the Public Health & Medical Fraud Research Cooperative, "because it is a thermoset plastic, melamine resin is difficult to recycle and not environmentally friendly."
Environmentally conscious companies, such as IdeaPaint, EverWhite and U.S. Markerboards are working on creating and marketing safer whiteboard and dry erase products that do not rely on adhesives created from melamine and formaldehyde, the combination of which they believe releases gases that can negatively affect the indoor air quality of classrooms and offices.
Dry-Erase Markers
The report, "Facts About Dry-Erase Markers" is based on a study conducted at Santa Clara University that discusses the use of dry-erase markers on whiteboards in classrooms. It presents evidence of potential for problems associated with markers used on white boards. Although there are newer, less toxic dry-erase markers, some still contain the potentially toxic chemicals: "methyl isobutyl ketone and n-butyl acetate."
On the other hand, a Duke University Medical Center study: "Solvent Exposure During Use of Solvent-Based Whiteboard Markers," reports that the use of solvent-based markers by students in a classroom situation would probably not result in acute solvent exposures.
Dry-Erase Cleaners
Many cleaners for dry erase surfaces carry a warning stating that the cleaning solution may be harmful if it is ingested or comes in contact with the skin or eyes. Dry erase cleaners are flammable and should not be stored or used near heat or flame. To avoid potential dangers, cleaners must be used in well-ventilated rooms and should be clearly marked, stored in spill-proof containers above counter-level and kept out of children's reach. There are now safer alternatives to the potentially dangerous traditional dry erase board cleaners.
Environmental Dangers
According to EcosmartWorld, whiteboards and dry-erase markers may lead to environmental dangers, because the millions of whiteboard markers that are discarded by teachers end up clogging local landfills with "toxic chemicals and millions of PVC cylinders that will never biodegrade." Some dry erase markers contain xylene, which is a "harmful chemical, significantly increasing the toxicity of classrooms and all work spaces."
