The Environmental Working Group has recently conducted the most expansive study of its kind published to date on the extent of exposures to contaminants pets face in the home and outdoor environments. This biomonitoring investigation measured the chemical body burden in pets.
The results were alarming: Of the 70 industrial chemicals tested, dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of the 70. 43 of those chemicals occurred at levels higher than those typically found in people.
The study looked for toxic chemicals such as plastics and food packaging chemicals, heavy metals, fire retardants, and stain-proofing chemicals. Among other results, it found that:
(1) Teflon chemicals (PFCs – perfluorochemicals) occurred in dogs at a level 2.4 times that found in people;
(2) Fire retardants (PBDE – polybrominated diphenyl ethers) occurred in cats at levels 23.4 times that found in people;
(3) Mercury occurred in cats at levels 5.9 times that found in people.
For cats there were 46 toxins detected – 96% at higher levels than in people. Dogs had 35 toxins detected – 40% at levels higher than that for people. “For certain fire retardant chemicals, stain and grease resistant chemicals, and plastic chemicals called phthalates, dogs and cats had higher rates than 80-100% of all the humans that have been tested.” These are of particular concern because they are of a class of chemicals that are carcinogenic and have been linked to reproductive and developmental risks, and thyroid problems. Cancer kills 20-25% of dogs making it the second leading cause of death in dogs[1], with certain types of cancer occurring several times more frequently in dogs than in people[2]. Hyperthyroidism is a leading cause of illness in older cats.
Pets, much like children, ingest pollutants from tap water, lawns with pesticide residue, and indoor air contaminants. Higher exposure to some contaminants in pets and children may be partially attributed to the fact that they both spend more time closer to the floor where contaminants can exist at higher concentrations. However, pets also develop health problems from exposures much more rapidly due to their physiologically compressed lifespans.
Pets also have some unique sources of exposure. As an example, one source of the PFCs mentioned earlier is the greaseproof lining of dry pet-food bags. Unfortunately, products made specifically for pets are mostly unregulated: the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine lets products go to market with untested ingredients and additives even though they have the authority to require manufacturers to submit their ingredient list beforehand, while the Consumer Product Safety Association isn’t even *allowed* to label products which may pose risks.
As such, the EWG notes that pets are unwittingly acting “as involuntary sentinels of the widespread chemical contamination that scientists increasingly link to a growing array of health problems”.
If you would like to find out more about the study specifics, including further results, you may follow the link below:
http://www.ewg.org/reports/pets
In response to this alarming problem and the lack of requirements that chemicals introduced into pets’ food & toys – as well as our household products – be tested for safety, the Environmental Working Group has started a site called “Pets for the Environment”. It is hosted by a very cute furry crusader named Eddie and posts healthy pet tips, information, and provides a voice for action on behalf of our beloved companions.
We encourage you to check them out at PetsForTheEnvironment.org. There is a “wall of cute” and you can sign up for their pet newsletter, if you so choose.
Looking for a source for natural pet food, toys, & supplies?
Check out Only Natural Pet Store or Paws Choice:
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