Purrfectplay

How a Helpful Little Molecule May Be Harming Your Pets

A recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) study revealed high levels of industrial chemicals in dogs and cats. This post covers one of these, Perfluorinated Compounds known simply as PFCs.

PFCs all have carbon "back bones" surrounded by fluorine atoms.  The fluorine-carbon bond is very very strong. These tightly bonded chains make stuff shiny and stain resistant. Gortex, Stainguard, and Teflon are all trademarked and patented forms of PFCs.

PFCs can be useful. Unfortunately the same quality that makes them useful creates serious problems. Their tough and hard to break carbon-fluorine bond also means they persist in nature and our bodies for years and years. Major studies have found PFCs in 90% of us. 

But still, what is the big deal? 

PFCs were just invented in the 1950’s, yet they are building up in the natural world at an alarming rate because they do NOT break down.  Studies show they have negative effects on us and our world, but—this is important—we still do not completely understand how and why these negative effects are occurring while they continue to build up. I find this scary.

Why PFCs are a big deal:

• They are carcinogenic
• They persist in our bodies for many years and in our pets who live shorter lives. What does this mean for our health and the health of our pets?
• Linked to behavioral disorders
• May decrease fertility and cause problems with reproductive organs
• Can impair hormone production 
• Associated with respiratory problems

Likely sources:

• Grease resistant food packaging --pet food bags, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes—you get the idea.
• Non stick cookware and foods cooked in them
• Stain proofed furniture, carpets, and pet beds
• House dust—because PFCs are super stable and long lasting, they eventually end up everywhere—even in the dust on your floor. 
• Personal-care products like shampoo, dental floss (gasp!), and denture cleaners

 What you can do to protect your pets:

• Avoid shiny grease resistant pet food and snack packaging
• Don’t choose stain/water resistant bedding, coats, or toys 
• Avoid pet care products made with Teflon or containing ingredients that include the words "fluoro" or "perfluoro" 
• Unless you can guarantee your skin care lotions, or perfumes don’t contain PFCs (and many do), wash your hands before you touch your pets 
• Avoid non stick cookware, utensils, or pet food bowls 
• Use wax coated paper as an alternative to PFC embedded products

If you would like to learn more:

http://www.toxiccharacters.org/?page_id=8  Great collection of articles

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/existingchemicals/pubs/pfcs_action_plan1230_09.pdf

http://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/what-about-soil-resistant-finishes-like-scotchgard-goretex-nanotex-and-greenshield-are-they-safe/

Perfluorinated Compounds: Here, There, and Everywhere

A recent Environmental Working Group (EWG) study  revealed high levels of industrial chemicals in dog/cat blood and urine. Over the next few posts we will discuss some of the most important of these.

In preparing this information it seemed very technical. So.. and hopefully this will help... I prepared an introductory video.  Stay tune for the wordy technical version in my next post.  

Toxic Burden and Our Pets

 

For cats and dogs, paws and tongues are basic tools.  Tongues become washcloths, paws become utensils. They stick their noses everywhere. Much more than us, our pets interact and meld with their environment. They live “nose deep” in the world.

This modern world is risky for our barefoot brethren.  They walk thru an environment full of synthetics and chemicals. They eat off the floor.  Their foods come in plastic lined cans and Teflon coated bags.  They sleep on bedding soaked in flame retardants and stain resistant chemicals. Loving guardians pet them after handling all types of materials—some safe, others not so safe.  They chew on toys containing plastics, dyes, and heavy metals.  How is this “nose deep” experience effecting our companions?

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a not-for –profit, researching and educating about the impact of industrial toxins on our health. They are also concerned about companion animals. They recently tested the blood and urine of cats and dogs, looking for 70 common industrial chemicals.  Their study found 48 of these potentially toxic chemicals, with 43 at much higher levels than found in humans.

Among the chemicals found at high levels were: Teflon, Phthalates (Plasticizers), Fire Retardants, and BPA. Future posts will discuss these in detail.

Until then, take a moment-- look around.  If you were at floor level, barefoot, and using just your hands and tongue as basic tools-- how would it be for you?