Published: May 03, 2008 09:36 pm         

Study reveals 48 chemical pollutants found in pets

TERRE HAUTE — A recent study conducted by an environmental group concluded that cats most likely have more mercury in their systems than most people, and dogs were found to have twice as much chemicals from stain resistant carpets and sofas. Walking on stain-resistant carpets and lounging on sofas can loosen perfluorochemicals, aka PFCs, which can then be inhaled.

A not-for-profit research organization in Washington, D.C., the Environmental Working Group, took samples from healthy cats and dogs at a clinic in Mechanicsville, Va. Cats and dogs were found to be contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested. Richard Wiles and his colleagues revealed a number of chemicals, which included Teflon for stain resistance, flame retardants found on furniture upholstery, and mercury (which may come from cat food). Some chemicals found in plastics (phthalates) and lead were lower in pets than in people. Dogs were found to have more than twice the levels of stain fighting PFCs than people. Cats had mercury levels five times the amount usually found in people. The group discovered levels of flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, aka PBDEs, to be 23 times higher.

Wiles believes that the study results could be a warning for people. “It’s the canary in the coal mine, if you will. They’re 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.” The study reinforces that pets are at increased health risk from chemical pollutants in the air, water, food, soil and consumer products for pets and people.

Pet owners can help reduce their pet’s exposure to harmful contaminants by following the Environmental Working Group’s healthy pet tips. When buying pet food, choose food that does not contain the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Select various cat food flavors in order to limit exposure to the mercury in seafood. Also, choose organic or free-range ingredients instead of “byproducts.” Don’t get stain-proof treatments that are available for sofas, carpets and car upholstery as they are loaded with toxic perfluorochemicals. Avoid nonstick pans. A nonstick pan that has been overheated can kill pet birds (not to mention that the chemicals given off may be harmful for other pets and people).

If a deck has been made with arsenic-treated wood, seal it every six months and don’t let pets play or sleep underneath it. Wash the deck with mild soap and water but never power-wash it. Take care of your lawn without using insecticides, which may cause nervous system damage to pets that walk on treated lawns, eat the grass, or breathe the chemicals. Flea collars are generally ineffective and a source of constant toxic exposure for your pet and family. Instead, ask your vet about safer flea treatments, bathe your pet regularly, and vacuum thoroughly and often. When bathing your pet, try baby shampoo instead of a pet product. Although manufacturers aren’t required to test their grooming products for safety, human products are required to list the ingredients on the labels.