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Do you feed your dog from a plastic bowl? Do you warm up their meals in the microwave in plastic bowls covered with plastic wrap? Do they drink their water out of a plastic bowl?

Were you aware that plastic molecules can break down into the fluids or solids that they are holding (e.g. food and water) and can be harmful to the health of your pet?

I encourage pet owners to use glass, ceramic or stainless steel bowls to hold their pet’s food and water. Try to avoid using plastic wrap to cover your pet’s food too if you can, as this can break down even quicker than the more solid plastics.

Research indicates that the microscopic particles that break down from all plastics can be hazardous to health…..

6 environmental research studies reveal critical health risks from plastic

‘Plastic world’ findings on bisphenol A, phthalates and flame retardants urge regulatory action

Amsterdam, 2 October 2008 ­- Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and flame retardants (PBDEs) are strongly associated with adverse health effects on humans and laboratory animals. A special section in the October 2008 issue of Environmental Research, “A Plastic World” provides critical new research on environmental contaminants and adverse reproductive and behavioral effects.

Plastic products contain “endocrine disrupting chemicals” that can block the production of the male sex hormone testosterone (phthalates used in PVC plastic), mimic the action of the sex hormone estrogen (bisphenol A or BPA used in polycarbonate plastic), and interfere with thyroid hormone (brominated flame retardants or PBDEs used in many types of plastic).

Two articles report very similar changes in male reproductive organs in rats and humans related to fetal exposure to phthalates. Two articles show that fetal exposure to BPA or PBDEs disrupts normal development of the brain and behavior in rats and mice. Two other articles provide data that these chemicals are massively contaminating the oceans and causing harm to aquatic wildlife.

The other studies integrate new laboratory research with a broader view reflecting exposures to a variety of chemicals in plastic. These ubiquitous chemicals found in many plastics act independently and together to adversely affect human, animal and environmental health.

The articles show amongst others the massive contamination of the Pacific Ocean with plastic, and the amount of contamination has increased dramatically in recent years; animal brain structure, brain chemistry and behavioral effects from exposure to BPA and “phthalate syndrome” in rats’ male offspring.

“For the first time a series of articles will appear together that identify that billions of kilograms of a number of chemicals used in the manufacture of different types of plastic can leach out of plastic products and cause harm to the brain and reproductive system when exposure occurs during fetal life or prior to weaning,” emphasized Dr. Frederick vom Saal, Guest Editor of the “Plastic World”.

“Not only are these studies of scientific importance, they also contribute to the ongoing US congressional hearings involving the Food and Drug Administration,” remarked Gert-Jan Geraeds, Publisher of Environmental Research, “As such, “The Plastic World” has a broader societal impact and raises awareness of increasingly important environmental issues”.

      
2.10.08                                                                                                                                                     

Environmental Research                                                                                                                                  

Elsevier

 

 

Yours in Health,
Sar Rooney BHSc., ND., DC., DASc., GDSc. (Hons) Zoology, MHATO, MATMS.
Canine Naturopath, Naturopathic Physician, Research Health Scientist, Zoologist 

Naturopathic Animal Services

www.AnimalNaturopath.com.au

www.DogNaturopath.com

www.CanineNaturopath.com

www.HealYourDogNaturally.com

 

categories: Optimum dog health

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