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Are Pets Toxic?
by
findingDulcinea Staff
Household pets carry a wide variety of industrial chemicals in their blood and urine, a recent study has found.
30-Second Summary
A newly released study found that humans aren’t the only ones carrying chemicals in their bodies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed composite blood and urine samples from healthy domestic cats and dogs, and found perfluorochemicals, mercury, Teflon and other chemicals present.
According to NPR, it’s unclear whether the chemicals are harmful to the animals. One study has suggested they are, but it’s not conclusive. Richard Wiles of the EWG believes pets could provide “insight into human health problems from these same contaminants in our homes.”
The study has some concerned. An animal-loving blogger called “dregsplod” titled her post about the study: “Most Important Post. Ever.”
Replacing a pet’s bedding, reupholstering exposed furniture and buying chemical-free pet foods are among the steps people can take to reduce the chemicals pets encounter.
According to NPR, it’s unclear whether the chemicals are harmful to the animals. One study has suggested they are, but it’s not conclusive. Richard Wiles of the EWG believes pets could provide “insight into human health problems from these same contaminants in our homes.”
The study has some concerned. An animal-loving blogger called “dregsplod” titled her post about the study: “Most Important Post. Ever.”
Replacing a pet’s bedding, reupholstering exposed furniture and buying chemical-free pet foods are among the steps people can take to reduce the chemicals pets encounter.
Headline Links: High levels of mercury, other chemicals found in pets
“It's the canary in the coal mine, if you will,” said Richard Wiles of the Environmental Working Group in an interview with NPR. “[Pets are] picking up the same chemicals that we're exposed to, they have shorter life spans and they develop diseases more quickly, and so they may be providing some insight into human health problems from these same contaminants in our homes.”
Source: National Public Radio
Reference: Pet report
According to EWG, “For nearly all the chemicals included in the current study, health risks in pets have not been studied. But the chemicals are linked to serious health effects in other studies from laboratory data or human populations.” Those health issues include leukemia, skin cancer and thyroid problems.
Source: Environmental Working Group
Reaction: ‘Alarming information’
“After last year's pet food scare, I think more pet owners are paying attention to the ingredients in their pet food. However, what about the PET FOOD BAG?” asks a blogger known only as “dregsplod,” a self-described animal lover, on her blog Australian Shephoarder. She adds, “The report is so full of alarming information, it’s almost overwhelming.”
Source: Australian Shephoarder
Related: Healthy pet tips, food scare, pet care
Pets for the Environment suggests avoiding the use of stain proofing for couches and chairs, nonstick pans and flea collars, to keep chemicals out of pets’ environments.
Source: Pets for the Environment
Last year, thousands of pets died after eating tainted food, which led to a massive recall.
Source: findingDulcinea
Read about choosing a pet and keeping it happy and healthy in the findingDulcinea Pet Care Web Guide.
Source: findingDulcinea
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