TERRE HAUTE — A recent study conducted by an environmental group concluded that cats most likely have more mercury in their systems than most people, and dogs were found to have twice as much chemicals from stain resistant carpets and sofas. Walking on stain-resistant carpets and lounging on sofas can loosen perfluorochemicals, aka PFCs, which can then be inhaled.
A not-for-profit research organization in Washington, D.C., the Environmental Working Group, took samples from healthy cats and dogs at a clinic in Mechanicsville, Va. Cats and dogs were found to be contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested. Richard Wiles and his colleagues revealed a number of chemicals, which included Teflon for stain resistance, flame retardants found on furniture upholstery, and mercury (which may come from cat food). Some chemicals found in plastics (phthalates) and lead were lower in pets than in people. Dogs were found to have more than twice the levels of stain fighting PFCs than people. Cats had mercury levels five times the amount usually found in people. The group discovered levels of flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, aka PBDEs, to be 23 times higher.
Wiles believes that the study results could be a warning for people. “It’s the canary in the coal mine, if you will. They’re picking up the same chemicals that we’re exposed to, they have shorter life spans and they develop diseases more quickly, and so they may be providing some insight into human health problems from these same contaminants in our homes.” The study reinforces that pets are at increased health risk from chemical pollutants in the air, water, food, soil and consumer products for pets and people.
Pet owners can help reduce their pet’s exposure to harmful contaminants by following the Environmental Working Group’s healthy pet tips. When buying pet food, choose food that does not contain the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Select various cat food flavors in order to limit exposure to the mercury in seafood. Also, choose organic or free-range ingredients instead of “byproducts.” Don’t get stain-proof treatments that are available for sofas, carpets and car upholstery as they are loaded with toxic perfluorochemicals. Avoid nonstick pans. A nonstick pan that has been overheated can kill pet birds (not to mention that the chemicals given off may be harmful for other pets and people).
If a deck has been made with arsenic-treated wood, seal it every six months and don’t let pets play or sleep underneath it. Wash the deck with mild soap and water but never power-wash it. Take care of your lawn without using insecticides, which may cause nervous system damage to pets that walk on treated lawns, eat the grass, or breathe the chemicals. Flea collars are generally ineffective and a source of constant toxic exposure for your pet and family. Instead, ask your vet about safer flea treatments, bathe your pet regularly, and vacuum thoroughly and often. When bathing your pet, try baby shampoo instead of a pet product. Although manufacturers aren’t required to test their grooming products for safety, human products are required to list the ingredients on the labels.
Valley Life
Study reveals 48 chemical pollutants found in pets
- Valley Life
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Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
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Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
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Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
• DNR promotes child’s right to play outside
• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
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WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
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Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
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ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
• Sheppard-York
• Cawley-Archer
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GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
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PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
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Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
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ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
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The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
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TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
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Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
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PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
- ANNIVERSARY: May 20, 2012
- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
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Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
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Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
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BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
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Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
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VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
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PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
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TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
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GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
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Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
