Pets put up with Chemical Contamination

While we worry about the rising chemical contamination in various forms, our pets do not remain unscathed. A recent study found that bodies of live dogs and cats have chemicals like fire retardants, mercury, chemicals used in furniture, fabrics and electronics and in stain-proof coatings.

Results of the study were revealed at a news conference in Berkeley on Thursday. In some cases the levels were much higher than in found in humans. It could lead to in cancer and hyperthyroidism in cats and dogs.

The study, conducted by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group, used blood and urine samples from 35 dogs and 37 cats collected at Hanover Animal Hospital in Mechanicsville, Va. As many as 48 industrial chemicals were found in the bodies of the animals.

According to the environmentalists, possibly, the pets ingested the chemicals while licking the ground and their paws because they live close to floors. Infants and toddlers also are close to the ground and tend to put things in their mouths, which puts them at the same kind of risk as cats and dogs, the group said.

It highlights the need for state and federal legislation that calls for verification that the chemicals are safe before putting them in consumer products, said Bill Walker, vice president of the group's West Coast operations.

"We need a better system of regulating toxic chemicals in this country," Walker said. "We need to test the chemicals before they are allowed on the market. Our animals are trying to tell us something here."

“There’s been an increase in cancer in dogs and cats and hyperthyroidism in cats," said Gary Richter, a veterinarian at Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland who attended the news conference. "Household toxins are concerning. We hope the research community can determine if the causes are environmental."

Kendra Borja, a spokeswoman for the American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, said if you don't consider the source of a chemical exposure, or how long a substance has been in a body, "unnecessary fears can arise."

"The public should not be led do believe that the products of chemistry are inherently dangerous," she said.