Sootmaster sponge

In Conservation DistList Instance: 10:15 I wrote:

>>A client of ours recently advised by a co-worker to use a product
>>called a Sootmaster Sponge made by Unger Enterprises Inc., to remove
>>graffiti from a fragile sandstone rock face.
>
>I have just finished speaking with the manufacturer (who is not
>Unger Enterprises) and I am pleased to confirm that Sootmaster is
>just another brand name for what is otherwise known as a Smoke
>sponge.
>
>Smoke sponges are made of vulcanized rubber, they are not toxic and
>do not contain any chemicals or additives.

I am advised by the makers of Chemical sponges that whilst they told
me the product was a natural composition it does in fact contain
some traces of soap. Apparently the inclusion of soap, albeit in a
miniscule proportion (approximately 1 ounce to every 1000 pounds of sponge
manufactured) is designed to improve the containment properties.

My apologies to one and all for the misleading information supplied,
it was provided in good faith after talking with the makers.

Interestingly the makers also told me that the product relaunched
with the words 'chemical treated' actually ensured improved sales,
users apparently felt that it must clean better as a result.

The product does however contain no other chemical products.

Mark G. Vine
Conservation Resources, England

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:18
                 Distributed: Tuesday, August 13, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-18-006
                                  ***