Table of Contents
What chemicals are Sharpies made of?
According to this file (Duke University PDF [1], or Google’s HTML cache [2]) the ingredients of Sharpie markers are as follows:
- Dyes.
- Propyl alcohol (N-Propanol), 200-250 PPM.
- Butyl alcohol (N-Butanol), 50-100 PPM.
- Diacetone alcohol (4-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2-Pentanone), 50 PPM.
What Sharpies contain?
It is a valve action marker, which requires a pumping action. The black ink in the Fine, Ultra-Fine, Twin Tip, Chisel, Retractable, Mini and Super is permanent ink. The principle solvents are alcohols, but they also contain ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. All other Sharpie ink colors are Permchrome ink.
Are Sharpies alcohol based?
Alcohol-based markers combine ink with alcohol. Some common brands of alcohol-based markers include Copic, Prismacolor, or Sharpies. The markers are waterproof but alcohol-soluble, as you would probably expect.
Are Sharpies toxic to skin?
For the most part, it’s the solvents in the ink of a Sharpie pen that present a health concern more than the pigments. Since the pigment only penetrates the top layer of skin, once you’ve drawn on yourself and the ink has dried, there is not much risk. Still, Sharpie does not recommend using the markers on skin.
What happens if you draw on your skin with a sharpie?
King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie contain xylene, which is neurotoxic and may damage other organs. Xylene poses a risk via inhalation, ingestion, and absorption across skin and mucous membranes. Writing on skin with these markers isn’t recommended. Sharpie ink may be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Are oil based Sharpies toxic?
Although the oil-based Sharpies are non-toxic, they are not deemed food safe. I would not serve hot food on the plates, and to ensure total safety, put a doily or napkin on the plate before serving cookies, creme puffs, or other light desserts.
Is Sharpie toxic on skin?
There are different formulations for permanent markers, including Sharpie pens. Some are considered nontoxic and safe for use on skin. Others contain toxic solvents that may cause organ damage from inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Sharpie Fine Point Markers are the safest pens to use on skin.
Is it bad to draw on yourself with Sharpie?
King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie do contain xylene and not intended to be used on skin or breathed in. Your average Sharpie markers are generally non-toxic and xylene free. It is still best not to draw on yourself or inhale any marker vapors.
Are Sharpies water or alcohol based?
Some common brands of alcohol-based markers include Copic, Prismacolor, or Sharpies. The markers are waterproof but alcohol-soluble, as you would probably expect.
What ingredients are in a Sharpie?
Ingredients. The Sharpie permanent marker with black ink comes in fine, twin tip, chisel and super styles. The solvents used in the permanent ink Sharpies include alcohol and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. The other colors of Sharpie markers contain Permchrome ink, and their solvents also include alcohol but not glycol ether.
What are the dangers of Sharpie markers?
Continuous exposure to inhaling Sharpie markers can lead to unconsciousness . Many young people, however, are testing the boundaries and becoming addicted to the effect of inhalants. Sniffing items such as Sharpies for intoxication purposes can lead to further substance abuse problems.
Will Sharpie stay on fabric?
As long as it’s 100% cotton, silk, or nylon, you’ve washed it before you start using the markers, and you don’t wash it like scrubs, the sharpies will stay on there just fine. Some fabrics have a chemical finish on them that repels the marker (or anything else), for instance Hanes t-shirts straight out of the package.
What is the size of a Sharpie?
King sizes have a fat marker head, while pen Sharpies have a regular felt-tip pen tip that may or may not retract depending on the style. Mini pens are only around 3 to 4 inches long, whereas a traditional one has a 6 to 7-inch length.