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CANINES - Sentinels
to Environmental Pollution
Anne Jones RN, BSNE
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"They are trying their best to warn
us." *
The title ("Polluted Pets") was intriguing, the first sentence
alarming. The article had been forwarded to me by a concerned
breeder/exhibitor, knowing it would be of interest to members of our
breed club's health committee, of which I am a member. It seems
appropriate to share a summary with other dog owners and to allow
each reader to make his/her own assessment. It does serve to add to
concerns for our dogs that already include overuse of pesticides and
excessive use of vaccines, both of which have been addressed on many
occasions.
Environmental Working Group uses the slogan "THE POWER OF
INFORMATION" as a clue to its function. At the end of this article,
you will find the web address that will enable you to read the
article in its entirety. Since it comprises some 18 pages, about
half of which are references, the purpose here is to make YOU think,
to provide for you "the power of information". Included on line is a
list of test results, following the references.
EWG, with the assistance of a Virginia veterinary clinic, collected
urine and blood samples from 20 dogs and 37 cats and found them to
be contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals for which they
tested, most of them in higher levels than normally found in humans.
We will address primarily the results in dogs but cats show a
greater level than dogs in many instances, possibly due to their
grooming habits. Chemicals found were in three categories,
plasticizers, greaseproof chemicals and fire retardants. Now think
about children, their toys, clothing and other "normal"
environmental issues, as well as considering our pets.
Companion animals offer an advantage in research by virtue of
shorter life span, in addition to sharing our homes and our lives.
Animals have long been the guardians of our safety, going back to
the use of canaries in mines to warn of poisonous gases. The
chemicals that exist in their environment are in direct correlation
to our own because they live in our homes and play in our yards.
Average levels of these chemicals were found often to be much higher
in pets than in humans, with dogs 2 1/2 times as high in stain and
grease proof coatings (often higher) and cats having 23 times more
fire retardants and 5 times more mercury (fish diets?).
Dogs were contaminated with 35 chemicals that included 11 known
carcinogens, 31 known to be toxic to reproductive systems, and 24
neurotoxins. We are already aware that dogs are showing increasing
incidence of cancers, based on studies at respected veterinary
institutions. Yet health risks to pets are only beginning to be
noted and researched in terms of environmental exposure.
The dogs tested included mutts and purebreds, ranging in size from
toys to large breeds and in age from 6 months to 12 years, with 12
females and 8 males. The chemicals were found on average to be at
levels 5 times higher than levels typically found in humans.
Chemicals found were classified as stain- and grease-proof chemicals
in the Teflon family, phthalates found in plastics and fire
retardants known as PBDEs.
Teflon chemicals were at the highest level. The product used to coat
pans was at about the same level as in humans. The likely source of
the greater contaminant is that form of teflon chemical used in dog
food bags to coat them and in products in the home to stainproof
furniture (and dog beds?). It would also be shed as house dust.
Plastic softeners have received national attention in recent months.
They are used in toys, plastic containers and wraps (shower curtains
- think of that smell!), shampoos and other household products. They
are dangerous to the reproductive system, carcinogenic and cause
birth defects. They also likely exist in house dust.
Fire retardants are used in bedding (including foam) and clothing
and can be found in house dust and in food. Manufacturing changes
are in effect since 2005 but they still are around and will be for
many years. These chemicals are known to affect thyroid hormone
function and may affect brain development.
Because many of these byproducts exist as dust and in other forms
(for instance, they are in our streams), they can also be found in
foods, especially seafoods, due to existing environmental
contamination.
What are the health risks to our companion animals? These chemicals
exist and will exist in air, soil and water for many, many years to
come. Careful cleaning of the home, use of environmentally safe
cleaning products, minimal use of pesticides - and only those tested
for safety in animals - can help. Clean and safe water is important
because our dogs need to have a ready supply of FRESH water. Stale
water is not appealing but, more to the point, it may be coated with
dust from sitting on the floor where dust is constantly stirred up.
Food storage should be in safe containers and covered for the same
reason.
The greatest long term protection for animals will be aided by
greater protection for mankind. We need to be aware of food quality
and avoid cheap ingredients that may cause harm. Oversight is key
for both humans and animals; food sources should be regulated and
inspections done to insure regulations are observed. We need to have
greater concerns about the use of chemicals in pesticides, cleaning
products and in manufacturing. The one best advocate for your
animals - and your family - is YOU. While this was a limited study,
it does serve to alert us to the need for better understanding of
environmental issues and makes us aware that our household pets
foreshadow concerns for our own welfare.
Polluted pets are indeed our sentinels to a healthy future. Be
alert, be aware and be informed.
*"Polluted Pets", published by Environmental Working Group; April
17, 2008
The entire article can be found at
http://www.ewg.org/reports/pets.
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