Study: High chemical levels found in dogs and cats

[Holly_Hobby]

(April 17) - An environmental group has tested dogs and cats for chemical exposure and found some levels much higher than in humans.

The analysis, being released today by the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group today, found levels of brominated flame retardants (used in furniture, fabrics and electronics) in cats 23 times higher than in humans, and mercury levels (likely from fish in pet foods) five times higher. In dogs, levels of perfluorinated chemicals (from stain- and grease-proof coatings) were 2.4 times higher than in people. Overall, 35 chemicals in dogs and 46 in cats were found.

A study found that levels of chemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings were 2.4 times higher in dogs than in people. Pets may have higher concentrations of chemicals in their bodies because they have more contact with the ground, where pesticides, dust and chemicals concentrate, a scientist said.

...

Pets' high levels of exposure come about because they spend their days in direct contact with floors and the ground, where dust, dirt, chemicals and pesticides concentrate. They also chew on toys, "so they have exposures to plastics," Houlihan says.

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http://news.aol.com/story/_a/high-chemical-levels-found-in-dogs-cats/20080417085509990001

[alstephenson]

1. Aw, geez. What next?

It makes sense that our fur babies would be affected. No wonder so many pets contract cancers.

[kestrel91316]

2. There is a fire retardant that is getting into cats that may be behind hyperthyroidism.

It's the same as or similar to the chemical that lines the cat food cans. We knew about the canned food link, but the flame retardant link has only come out in the last couple months (MSM is a little slow to pick up on it).