DEBRA'S ANSWER:

I looked up the MSDS sheet for Bar Keepers Friend and under "Hazardous Ingredients" is listed oxalic acid.

Oxolic acid is one of the strongest organic acids. Though it is abundantly present in many plants, most (notably lamb's quarters, rhubarb and sorrel), it can irritate the lining of the intesines when consumed, and can be fatal in large doses. Still, we all eat some oxalic acid in common foods every day with no ill effects, including black pepper, parsley, spinach, chard, beets, chocolate, most nuts, most berries, and beans.

Though the Bar Keeper's Friend MSDS warns only of irritation. Here is the safety data from the oxalic acid MSDS:

POISON! DANGER! MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED. CORROSIVE. CAUSES SEVERE IRRITATION AND BURNS TO SKIN, EYES, AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. MAY CAUSE KIDNEY DAMAGE.

SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)

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Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison)

Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight

Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight

Contact Rating: 3 - Severe (Corrosive)

Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES

Storage Color Code: White (Corrosive)

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Potential Health Effects


Oxalic acid is corrosive to tissue. When ingested, oxalic acid removes calcium from the blood. Kidney damage can be expected as the calcium is removed from the blood in the form of calcium oxalate. The calcium oxalate then obstructs the kidney tubules.

Inhalation:

Harmful if inhaled. Can cause severe irritation and burns of nose, throat, and respiratory tract.

Ingestion:

Toxic! May cause burns, nausea, severe gastroenteritis and vomiting, shock and convulsions. May cause renal damage, as evidenced by bloody urine. Estimate fatal dose is 5 to 15 grams.

Skin Contact:

Can cause severe irritation, possible skin burns. May be absorbed through the skin.

Eye Contact:

Oxalic acid is an eye irritant. It may produce corrosive effects.

Chronic Exposure:

May cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged skin contact can cause dermatitis, cyanosis of the fingers and possible ulceration. May affect kidneys.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:

Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems, or impaired kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.

Oxalic acid is a powder, so there are no chemical gasses to be concerned about, but if you are shaking the powder in the air, small amounts could get in your nose or eyes and cause irritation. And, since you are not ingesting it, there is no danger of poisoning (but keep it away from children and pets).

Personally, I would stick with Bon Ami or just use baking soda. There's no need to use a product with more toxic ingredients when safer products are available.

Yet, if you find this product to work better, it probably contains so little oxalic acid that it wouldn't cause any effect greater than irriation, as stated in the MSDS sheet.

Debra :-)