Pony Cancer Question *Added Pics*

[Aaryana]

I searched a bit but didn't see a definitive answer. Can FS G4 ponies get pony cancer? I just noticed today that my FS Fluttershy has a big black streak up her leg. It's on the non cutie mark side, so it's not a huge issue, but it does bother me. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks!

[LeighAnnApanites]

My understanding is that cancer has something to do with the plastic starting to break down, maybe, but it certainly seems to be something mostly older ponies have to deal with. Also, usually it's round spots, so based on your description, my guess would be that it's not cancer, but I'm just speculating. Pics might help if you have them.

[Aaryana]

Do I post a pic here the same way I would on blogger? With the HTML code?

[Sandra]

There's been some debate about what exactly causes pony cancer, but it's widely speculated, as LeighAnnApanites mentioned, that the culprit is the old plastic breaking down. My own understanding is that as the plastic ages, it releases plasticizers which bacteria/fungi? feed on to create brown spots. Very little is still known about the whole process, but a common theory is that its largely caused by poor storage conditions of the toy in question.
Anyway, I haven't seen any newer 2000-generation ponies have pony cancer. As I said, it mostly occurs in older vinyl toys. It's generally brown or tan and has a circular shape. Here is a good picture of it I found on the old Arena site:

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Link to the full thread is here:
http://www.mlparena.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=151706/postdays=0/postorder=asc/start=0.html

It's a good thread to look at if you're ever confused on what stains/marks are on your pony.

[shabbychicdee]

Aaryana i would use a magic eraser on her with a good wipe it might come of, g4 a prone to factory grubbyness and seem to pickup dirt easily
sandra that barnacle  makes me sad poor we fella

[BrightIdea]

I have seen black smudges and dirt on G4s before. If its not coming off, I have tried nail polish remover and it takes the marks off well. Just don't get it near her eyes/symbol/any paint.

I think pony cancer appears more like spots, so I am curious what the streak looks like. Sometimes paint from the eyes gets streaked onto places it shouldn't be, so maybe it is paint.

[hathorcat]

Age marks are a result of the plastic breaking down - the flame retardant chemicals [bromides] which are mixed in the plastics start to leak and discolour the plastic around them. Plastic manufacturer and production of plastic products is light years ahead of where it was in the 80s - the same issues may very well occur with G4s over time but I think its much less likely to happen to the extreme we see with G1s and it certainly will not be happening just a couple of years after a pony's production.

I would suggest a magic marker to see if you can remove it that way as it sounds [although its difficult to tell for certain without an image] of just a manufacturing or packaging stain or damage in the plastic.

[NoDivision]

That Barnacle... *hugs him*

[Luxrayx]

I'd say a G4 is too young to have cancer.

[Aaryana]

I've tried magic eraser and nail polish remover without success. Let me know if these pics don't work.

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I tried to take a close up, but it didn't turn out so great.

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[HavACrumpet452]

That looks like staining as if she were up against something dark. I think only sunfading might get that out.

[hathorcat]

Yes I agree it looks like staining for something she was pressed up against - was it perhaps the back of her box where the artwork ink could have marked her?

If magic eraser doesnt work it should come out with sun fading

[Aaryana]

I don't remember how she was situated in the box, but I'll try sun fading and see how that goes. Thanks!