×

Covid - 19

We are open and remain committed to the care and safety of our neighborhood pets, pet-parents, and our staff. Please contact us for further information as to how our business has adapted to this ongoing and evolving pandemic.

Contact Us
Close

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
LenoxHill Veterinarians

Our Location

212-879-1320

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What To Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • At Home Care
    • Hospital Services
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
      • Dr. Lawrence Putter
      • Dr. Lynda Tortoriello
      • Dr. Thomas Devincentis
  • Photo Gallery
  • Contact Us
  • Links
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Exotics
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Equine
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Unbelievable Pets
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Pet Dangers
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fun with Pets
      • Behavior & Training
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
    • Feline
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Hills Home Delivery
  • Virtual Pet Loss Support Groups
  • Purina Vet Direct
  • Vetsource
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Pet Dangers >
  • Can PBDEs Harm Your Pet?

Can PBDEs Harm Your Pet?

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Pet Dangers
Image of a vacuum dust canister filled with dirt and pet hair.

The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have a negative impact on your health and environment. These chemicals in your home environment may be causing harm to your pet without your knowledge.

In the body, PBDEs are found in breast milk, blood and the blood of umbilical cords. These chemical compounds persist in the environment and accumulate in wild animals. They are thought to cause brain damage, birth defects, and contribute to disease of the liver and thyroid.

PBDE chemical compounds are used as flame retardants in industries that produce electronics, furniture and foam. These products have a propensity of giving off airborne particles that build up in your home's dust. Seventeen pet dogs who live primarily indoors participated in an analysis at Indiana University. The analysis found their PBDE concentration levels to be five to 10 times higher than that of humans.

"In the U.S., we the have highest levels of flame retardants in our dust and in our bodies," indicates Arelene Blum, Executive Director of the Green Science Policy Institute. Pollution in People asserts that these toxic PBDE industrial chemicals have been used for more than 30 years in the manufacturing of mattresses, furniture and consumer-used electronic plastics.

Household furniture is frequently produced with flame retardant chemicals and materials before it is shipped to consumers. Furniture that is made with organic cotton stuffing or wool padding will be free of the hazards of PBDE. This means when shopping for sofas, loveseats, easy chairs, mattresses and other furniture with seat, arm or back padding, it will be important to ask the contents. Ask if flame retardants are used and if there are alternate choices. Request that organic cotton or wool padding be provided as a condition of your purchase. The use of flame retardant materials varies from state to state. Its use will depend on governmental laws and regulations that are in effect.

It is estimated that approximately five percent of the weight of the petroleum-based fill known as polyurethane foam is flame retardant chemicals. Polyurethane foam is used in nearly all sofas, easy chairs, loveseats and mattresses manufactured.

"PBDEs are an important, but generally unrecognized, persistent organic pollutant,'' advised Robert C. Hale in Nature. Hale is a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences. Persistent organic pollutants can remain in our environment for many years without breaking down. Body fat in animals and humans become the storage zones for these pollutants.

''There is an enormous need to act quickly when there is a problem with a chemical that is not only toxic but is persistent and accumulates,'' says Gina Solomon, Natural Resources Defense Council senior scientist.

Talk with your veterinarian about the impact of these industrial chemicals on your pet's health and wellness. Your veterinarian will guide you in reducing the negative impact on your pet's health.

Sources:

Environmental Protection Agency.

Green Science Policy Institute.

Hale, Robert. Nature.

Main, Emily. Flame retardant furniture: Unhealthy, and doesn't stop fires.

Natural Resources Defense Council.

Pollution in People.

Practically Green.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Exotics
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fun with Pets
    • Behavior & Training
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
  • Feline

Sign-up using the form or call us at 212-879-1320 to make your appointment today!

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday:

Emerg. Only

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Putter and his staff are the absolute best, and I would never go elsewhere. He is always very thorough and knowledgeable and discusses different possibilities with me. I trust him and know that my dog is getting excellent care."
    Jaquelyn S.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Macaws

    If you've decided to enter the entertaining world of bird ownership, you may be thinking about adopting a macaw. These giants of the parrot world make fun companions, but here are some things you should consider before making that purchase. What You Should Know About Macaw Ownership Macaws can make a ...

    Read More
  • Cockatoos

    If you're looking for a lively, affectionate, intelligent pet, you don't have to limit yourself to a dog or cat. Members of the Cacatuidae family, better known as cockatoos, can provide those qualities in abundance. However, before you bring a cockatoo home for the first time, you need to understand ...

    Read More
  • Parrots

    If you’re thinking of adding a feathered friend to your family, you might be surprised at what it takes to care of this type of pet. While parrots are highly intelligent and fun pets, there are a few aspects that make them more difficult to care for than a cat or dog. Here’s what you need to know ...

    Read More
  • Most Common Digestive Issues in Dogs and How to Relieve Them

    Do you know which digestive issues are most common in dogs? ...

    Read More
  • Glaucoma in Cats

    Do you know the signs of glaucoma in cats? ...

    Read More
  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior? ...

    Read More
  • Keep Your Pets Safe From Toxic Household Items

    Do you know which household items can sicken your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Preventing Obesity in Cats

    Even one extra pound could affect your pet's health. Find out how you can keep your cat slim and trim. ...

    Read More
  • Pet Dental Care - Tips to Manage Your Pet’s Oral Health

    Do you know how to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy? ...

    Read More
  • Learn How to Master Walking Your Dog for Walk Your Pet Month

    Does your dog need a little help walking on a leash? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map