On a friend’s recommendation, we went to the local Costco to check out their latest product du jour – Pink Solution. It is a multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on all kinds of dirt, oil and grease. What supposed to set it apart from other clean-all is, they were touting it as “Natural, Non-Toxic and Biodegradable. Totally safe around children and pets.”
We approached their demonstration booth and surely we saw a usual demonstration – the type you can immediately associate with any as-seen-on-tv cleaning product – what seemed different was, they’re putting quite a bit of emphasis on how natural and safe their product was.
To drive home their claims, the saleswoman actually sprayed the solution into her mouth, multiple times during the demo. I was naturally in doubt – I’ve always been a believer of “the stronger the cleaner, the harsher to you” – I mean – if it can cut through grease with ease, chances are it can “clean” various mucus and film protecting your mouth and your cornea.
I inspected the packaging and found no clue on its ingredients. However, we picked up a bucket anyway – the bravery (to a fault) of the saleswoman seemed to do it for us. Brilliant sales tactics.
Back at home I went on their web site hoping to see what it was made of. No information. So I contacted them and asked for its MSDS. Here is what they sent me:
Page 1: 
Page 2: 
While the MSDS itself does not tell me what the solution is made of, it offers slightly more insight on its actual safety.
Toxicological Properties:
- Skin Contact: May cause minor irritation to sensitive skin
- Eye Contact: May cause minor irritation to eyes
- Ingestion: May cause irritation mucous membranes
- Irritancy: May cause minor irritation but is not an irritant by WHMIS classification
(which really tells more about WHMIS coverage than irritancy)
Needless to say, I’m not going to try that sales stunt on myself any time soon. ;)