Toxins Taint Pets

Cleveland Plain Dealer, Donna Miller
Published May 3, 2008

The Environmental Working Group studied health-threatening toxins in pets. Scientists found 48 toxins, including fire retardant, stain repellent, plastic softeners, heavy metals and the phenol used to line metal food cans. They have been linked to soaring cancer rates in dogs, thyroid disease in cats and reproductive and behavioral problems. "Thyroid disease in cats didn't exist 30 years ago," researcher Jane Hoolihan said. Cats, who groom by licking themselves, and dogs are getting the toxins from pet food, pet food cans, plastic bowls and toys, collars, carpets, furniture, house dust, unfiltered tap water and lawn chemicals. The group is pushing for passage of the Kid-Safe Chemical Act, which would mandate testing of chemicals before they are allowed on the market and force chemical manufacturers to share the data already compiled. The full report is available at ewg.org.