Posts Tagged ‘chemicals’

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Third Annual Fragrance Free Day Q & A

Monday, August 20th, 2012

On August 10, 2012, our Fragrance Free Day Twitter panel fielded questions and provided tips to those joining us.  Thanks again to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (http://www.patrickmahaney.com) and Dr. Stephen Ziman, organic chemist for making yourselves available to answer questions on how fragrances can affect our pets and our families health!

For those who were unable to join us, below are Q&A from our third Fragrance Free Day (2012) and some expanded answers to questions posed to the panel.

Question 1 from @jordan_feeney: How do fragrances stay in the air for so long and what is the impact to pets and people? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: #Pets may be impacted by fragrances that irritate their eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, skin, & digestive tract. #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Fragrances are very volatile and remain in the area for a long time b4 they’re ventilated out. #FragranceFreeDay. For people, some chemicals in some fragrances have been ID’d as hormone disruptors #FragranceFreeDay.

Extended Answer from CleanandGreen:  Fragrances have chemicals which cause a secondary reaction in indoor air and contribute to the formation of formaldehyde and ultra-fine particles.  Ultra-fine particles are small enough so that they be absorbed through cell walls.  Fragrances have been tied to allergic dermatitis, asthma, headaches, mucosal symptoms.

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: When cleaning your house, if you can smell the fragrances, so can your pet and they will be affected by them. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 2 from @RedHeadMeag: My dog has episodes of reverse sneezing. Scary! I know allergens are a source – could what I’m cleaning with be, too? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Yes, your cleaning products may trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. #FragranceFreeDay. For safety sake, it’s best to keep your #dog, #cat, or other #pets (birds, etc) out of area being cleaned. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 3 from @alexisel: My cat was recently diagnosed with asthma. Should I look into switching to fragrance free products? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Gr8 question! Yes, you should use fragrance free cleaning products (& litter) if you have an asthmatic #cat. #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Respiratory problems (in humans or pets) = no fragrances in your home. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: DEP (diethyl phthalates) can be used in cosmetics & fragrances & are identified as a potential hormone disruptor. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 3 from @MissJRF: The effects of chemical fragrances are scary – no doubt. But I really love wearing my perfume every day. Help! #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Although you love wearing your perfume, it’s a health issue, so start by just wearing it on special occasions. #FragranceFreeDay

Extended Answer from CleanandGreen:  I know this is asking a lot, but remember, it is a health issue, not only for your pet, but for you too!  Chemicals in fragrances are linked to hormone disruptors that scientists believe are  linked to breast cancer and other health issues linked to hormonal imbalances in our system.  So, start slow and work your way towards being as fragrance free as possible.

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Every fragrance (natural or synthetic) has chemicals and can cause all of the problems we’ve mentioned. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Can’t give up your perfume? Wear it less frequently, in lower quantities & cut back on other fragranced products. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 4 from @thespottedduck: I know fragrances cause air pollution in the home. What can I do to improve my home’s air quality for me & my pets? #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Gr8 question. I’m going to answer in multiple parts. #FragranceFreeDay.

1. Have your home heating & cooling system seasonally serviced and change filters regularly. #FragranceFreeDay.

2. Use ventilation to move air around your home. Open windows and use both overhead and oscillating fans. #FragranceFreeDay.

3. Use completely non-toxic cleaning systems, such as vacuuming & deep steam cleaning. #FragranceFreeDay.

4. Clean your cat’s litter box once to twice daily & have your dog eliminate outdoors instead of on pads. #FragranceFreeDay.

Answer from @CleanandGreen: 3. Also, use fragrance free cleaning products in your home. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Regularly clean any surfaces that come in contact with your nose or mouth, i.e. bed sheets, towels, etc. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: Last TIP: Don’t go fragrance free cold turkey, look at all your products & cut easiest ones first. #FragranceFreeDay

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: #Vet Tip: Just because a product says “all natural” does not mean that it is safe for use on or around your #pet. #FragranceFreeDay

 

@CleanandGreen to @PatrickMahaney: Great point! A lot of people think citrus products are safe but lemon, pine, etc. are actually toxic. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: Another #Vet Tip: Do not use “essential oils” on your #cat. Sever toxicity, including liver failure, can occur. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: #Vet Tip: Cough, sneeze, eye discharge, salivation, & behavior change are signs of chemical inhalant toxicity in #pets. #FragranceFreeDay

 

@CleanandGreen: Remember: It’s not only your pet’s health, it’s human health too. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Quincy

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Fragrance Free Day is Today!

Friday, August 10th, 2012

 

Just a reminder that today, August 10, 2012 is Fragrance Free Day.  For all of you who have already pledged to go fragance free , thank you.  Please spread the word and encourage others to do the same!

For all of you with questions, please join me today along with Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (http://www.patrickmahaney.com) and Dr. Stephen Ziman, organic chemist.  Those with questions on the safety of products they’re using can Tweet them with the hashtag #fragrancefreeday on Friday, August 10th from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST and have their question answered by one of the experts through SeaYu’s Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/cleanandgreen).

Look forward to your question!  BTW, I will post the questions and answers.

Quincy

 

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Breathing Formaldehyde In Your Home?

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

According to two studies the Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products and the Indoor Air Chemistry: Cleaning Agents, Ozone and Toxic Air Contaminants, fragrances can cause other chemicals (like formaldehyde and glycol ether) to form in our homes.  Here is a direct quote from the studies:

“Fragrances, particularly terpenes such as limonene, are associated with secondary chemical reactions in indoor air and can contribute to the production of formaldehyde, glycol ethers, ultrafine particals and secondary oganic aerosols.  Exposure to fragrances has been associated with a range of health effects, including allergic contact dermatiis, asthma and asthma exacerbations, headaches and mucosal symptons.  Synthetic musks have ben show to have estrogenic effects.”

It’s tough reading through these studies with all the scientific terms (where I have to go to the dictionary to understand what they mean), but the bottom line is that fragrances just are plain unhealthy for us, our children and definitely our pets!

Join us this Friday between 1PM – 2 PM ET for our Fragrance Free panel live Twitter chat from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST  using hashtag #fragrancefreeday

Quincy

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EWG Says Fragranced Air Fresheners Are Unhealthy!

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

The Environmental Working Group is publishing a database named “Cleaners Hall of Shame” this Fall where they will review 2,000 products and 200 brands.  One of the things that the EWG points out is that cleaning products are not required (and often do not) tell you what are the product ingredients.

One major catagore in this Hall of Shame are air fresheners!  Here is a what EWG says, “Air fresheners do not clean or purify the air.  They merely cover up odors by releasing undisclosed mixtures of fragrance chemicals. Common fragrance components include chemicals that spur allergies, trigger asthma attacks or impair reproduction.”

They point out language on the product cans themselves which should tell you that they are unhealthy for you and your family (especially your pets)!

  • This product boasts that “your home will always smell fresh and clean” but cautions that the device should be placed “in well-ventilated rooms away from sleeping areas.” Among the label’s warnings: may be harmful if directly inhaled, may cause allergic reaction in some individuals, DO NOT spray towards face or body, DO NOT get in eyes, avoid content with skin, DO NOT spray directly onto surfaces.

    •  This product cautions to “use in well-ventilated rooms away from sleeping areas.”

 

  • These products warn, “Do not use in small confined pet areas without adequate ventilation.”

Now, if these products were safe why would you have to be careful to use these in well-ventilated rooms away from pet areas and sleeping areas?

So, join us on Fragrance Free Day and start your path to a healthier life!

Quincy

 

 

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Twitterview with Dr Patrick Mahaney on Going Green

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Who better to host our Earth Month Twitterview than Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian who started California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW) and is part of the Veterinary Cancer Group, an integrative veterinary medicine practice for  dogs and cats in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Patrick also writes a veterinary column and connects to animal aficionados worldwide through Q & A, videos, radio interviews, and Twitterviews this one. 

 

.@PatrickMahaney  Lets get started. Thanks so much for joining us today for an #EarthMonth chat, Dr. Patrick! #greenpetchat

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q1 For pet owners that may not be aware of what “greenwashing” is – can you explain? How do YOU define “green”? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A1 #greenpetchat I define “green” as a lifestyle approach with maximal emphasis placed on minimizing daily exposure to toxins

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q2 What do you hear from clients are their biggest issues with looking for #green #pet products? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A2 #greenpetchat Understanding what products and ingredients are safe or potentially toxic for pets and why

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q3 You’re big on healthy #pet food. What should people be looking for where food is concerned? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A3  #greenpetchat Pet owners should focus on providing human grade based whole foods lacking pet-grade ingredients

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q4 If you have to shop the #pet food aisle at the grocery store, what’s your best bet? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A4 #greenpetchat If “stuck” w/pet foods, pick canned options lacking protein & carbohydrate meals, by-products, preservatives

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q5 How important is it to start your #dog or #cat on an organic food product at an early age? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A5 #greenpetchat I feel human grade & whole food is more important than organic & start during puppy- or kittenhood

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q6 What advice would you give to pet owners that are thinking of making their own pet food? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A6 #greenpetchat Work w/their vet to do a Univ CA Davis Veterinary Nutritional Support Services consultation. Worth the $$

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q7 Let’s talk shampoo. What should #pet owners be looking for where coat-care products are concerned? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A7 #greenpetchat Buy shampoo lacking fragrances, colors, sodium laurel sulfate (foaming agents), insecticides, steroids, etc

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q8 What issues have you observed as the result of NOT using an natural #pet shampoo product? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A8 #greenpetchat Salivation, vomit, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy result from shampoo ingestion/absorption via skin

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q9 How important is an eco-friendly #pet bed? What should people look for? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A9 #greenpetchat Beds made w/fabrics lacking toxic chemicals, including fire retardants, formaldehyde, phthalates, PVC, BPA

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q10 How can pet owners go green with their #pet bed without spending lots of money? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A10 #greenpetchat Comparison shop on-line or ask for referral for best prices from eco-minded pet stores

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q11 For pet owners making a change 2 green products, should they be worried about how their pets will adjust? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A11 #greenpetchat Watch for signs of illness (vomit, salivation, decr appetite, etc) in pets w/any product use or change

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q12 Should #pet owners also be considering green pet toys? Are mass-produced toys dangerous? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A12 #greenpetchat Choose non-toxic, natural material pet toys made in USA.  Mass produced toys possibly contain toxins.

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q13 Why is it so important to use green #pet products? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A13 #greenpetchat As diseases are multifactorial in their origins, reduce amounts of toxins entering or being applied to pets

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q14 What is the most important type of green product every #pet owner should have? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A14 #greenpetchat Always provide pet foods made from human grade, whole foods & fresh water lacking toxic chemicals

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q15 What is your best advice for #pet owners who want to go green, but don’t know where to start? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A15 #greenpetchat Start by looking at your pet’s food & treat labels to eliminate pet-grade ingredients & non-USA made products

 

Simon and Quincy

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10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – #9 Fertilizers

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Here is #9 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Fertilizers

Fertilizer products generally contain varying amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) compounds. Product ingredients are often listed as N-P-K 10-8-8, where each number is the corresponding ingredient’s concentration percentage. Fertilizer formulations include liquid, granular, and solid (e.g. stakes), and fertilizer additives may include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, iron, copper, or zinc. Because fertilizers are usually a combination of ingredients, several toxic principles are possible. In general, the ingredients are poorly absorbed, and most of the signs are related to GI irritation.

Fertilizers have a wide margin of safety.15 GI signs such as vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, or lethargy are common in dogs after ingesting fertilizers, especially ones with high percentages of phosphorus and potassium compounds. In most cases these signs are self-limiting and resolve within 12 to 24 hours.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Bottomline – Keep you dog away from plants and lawns where you use chemical fertilizers!

Simon and Quincy

 

 

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10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – #8 Thyroid Hormones

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Here is #8 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Throid Hormones

Natural (desiccated thyroid) and synthetic (levothyroxine) derivatives of thyroid hormones are used to treat hypothyroidism in animals and people.

Dogs can maintain a remarkably normal physiologic state in the face of a massive L-thyroxine overdosage. Such resistance to developing hyrotoxicosis can be explained in part by pharmacokinetics, such as poor GI absorption, serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) being ighly protein bound, alternative metabolic pathways, and greater potential for biliary excretion and fecal loss. In addition, certain organs (particularly the liver and kidneys) can concentrate thyroid hormones intracellularly, thereby rendering these hormones unavailable to bind to tissue receptors and induce a physiologic effect. Thus, the liver and kidneys can act as buffers by releasing small or large amounts of hormones, depending on what the body needs, back into the plasma. In an overdose situation, these buffer organs can concentrate the extra hormone and not release the already stored hormone.

Dogs ingesting 0.2 mg/kg levothyroxine may develop mild signs, and dogs ingesting 1 mg/kg or more may need treatment. Hyperactivity and tachycardia are the most common signs of thyrotoxicosis.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Bottomline – Keep your medicines in the medicine cabinet where dogs cannot accidentially ingest them!

Simon and Quincy

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10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – #5 Rodenticides

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Here is #5 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Rodenticides (in common tongue rodent baits)

The three main types of rodenticides are those containing anticoagulants (warfarin, brodifacoum, diphacinone [also called diphenadione]), those ontaining bromethalin, and those containing cholecalciferol.

Anticoagulant rodenticides are probably the most commonly used rodenticides in the world. Ingesting an anticoagulant rodenticide can block vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis by inhibiting the 2,3-epoxide reductase enzyme, which results in a coagulopathy three to five days after ingestion (possibly sooner in immature animals).

Ingesting a bromethalin-containing rodenticide may cause vacuolization and severe spongiosis of the white matter within the CNS and cerebral edema. Bromethalin ingestion can cause signs ranging from tremors and seizures (convulsant syndrome) to weakness and paralysis (paralytic syndrome). Convulsant syndrome usually occurs at doses of 2.3 mg/kg and higher. Paralytic syndrome is more likely when a dog ingests a lower dose.

Ingesting cholecalciferol-containing rodenticides can increase dogs’ serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations, potentially leading to acute renal failure and tissue mineralization.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Bottomline – Be careful when you set out rodent baits!  Your dog may take the bait instead of the intended mice and get sick!  If you think your dog has taken the bait, take him to his vet ASAP!

Simon and Quincy

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10 Most CommonToxicoses in Dogs – #4 Ant and Roach Baits

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Here is #4 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Ant and Roach Baits

The product names may vary, and the containers may be referred to as chambers, discs, stations, systems, traps, baits, or trays, but most ant and  roach baits use an attractant (often peanut butter), a sweetening agent, and bread. And while these baits once contained compounds that are relatively highly toxic to mammals (e.g. arsenic trioxide, lead arsenate), the most common insecticides used in ant and roach baits today are boric acid, avermectin, fipronil, hydramethylnon, propoxur, and sulfluramid.

Because of the low concentration of the insecticide and the small size of the bait, serious toxicosis in mammalian pets ingesting the baits is not expected.   In many instances, the risk of foreign body obstruction from the plastic or metal part of the container is of greater concern than the active ingredients. Signs of ingestion are usually limited to mild GI upset and do not require specific treatment.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

So just be careful.  Dogs don’t know that these baits are not for them!  Make sure you don’t leave them around where your dogs can get at them.

Quincy and Simon

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10 Most Common Toxicosis in Dogs – #3 Chocolate

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Here is 3# of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Chocalate

Chocolate contains two types of methylxanthine, theobromine and caffeine, with their amounts varying depending on the type of  chocolate. For example, milk chocolate contains about 60 mg/oz methylxanthine, dark chocolate about 150 mg/oz, and baking chocolate about 450 mg/oz.

Clinical signs of chocolate ingestion range from GI upset to cardiovascular effects (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension or hypotension, arrhythmias) to CNS signs (e.g. agitation, pacing, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures). The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, the size of the animal, and the animal’s sensitivity to methylxanthines. Mild stimulation such as hyperactivity, agitation, and restlessness may occur in dogs ingesting around 20 mg/kg methylxanthine. Cardiotoxicosis may occur in dogs ingesting 40 mg/kg, and dogs ingesting more than 60 mg/kg may exhibit severe CNS signs, such as tremors and seizures. GI signs such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur with any amount because of chocolate’s high fat and sugar content.

This information is from the the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

So remember, chocolate may chase the blues away for humans, but its poisonous for dogs!

Simon and Quincy

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