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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Terre Haute museums keeping history alive
Even if you don’t have a mystical Egyptian tablet that brings museum inhabitants to life at sunset like character Larry Daley in the “Night in the Museum” movies, history can come alive for you, your friends and family at the many museums in the Wabash Valley.
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ANNIVERSARIES: Feb. 12, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jackson
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Learn brief history of Social Security at Brown Bag
Join Amy Long, Social Security operations supervisor, for a brief history of Social Security, including why and how Social Security was created, changes over the years and information on the future at 12:10 p.m. Thursday at the Vigo County Public Library for a Brown Bag.
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Terre Haute’s litter leads to trashy look, feast for crows
Dear My Fellow Hoosiers,
Why do you litter? When I moved here in April 2007 there were two things that I noticed right away about the Wabash Valley. -
PAW PRINTS: Enjoy a pet-friendly Valentine’s Day
Every year, the poison control experts see a rise in pet cases around Feb. 14, with many involving chocolate and lilies (a flower that is potentially fatal to cats).
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Greene’s Goose Pond offers Marsh Madness, March 2-4
Special to the Tribune-StarWildlife Area’s annual Marsh Madness bird festival takes place March 2-4 at multiple locations around Greene County.
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WEDDINGS: Feb. 12, 2012
• McBride Menestrina
• Baer-Marshall
• Miller-Lunsford
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ENGAGEMENTS: Feb. 12, 2012
• Archer-Cooper
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VIDEO: On the Banks of the Wabash far away …
Paul Dresser left Terre Haute a niche in history.
Opportunism, squabbling and fading memories gradually washed that gift away, like the unending flow of the Wabash River he immortalized in song.
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Vectren cautions public about snow, ice removal
Vectren Energy Delivery wants to remind customers to proceed with caution when removing snow and ice around natural gas meters at their homes or businesses this winter.
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Workshop to emphasize basics of alpaca farming
A one-day seminar on the fundamentals of alpaca farming is planned for Saturday at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
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Genealogy Society offers free forum
The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society is offering a free educational forum titled “Brick Wall Hurdling” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in rooms A, B and C of the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets.
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PAW PRINTS: Want to adopt a pit bull? Here are some helpful hints
Despite the bad publicity, pit bulls can be very lovable and loyal family dogs. There is a great deal of confusion associated with the label “pit bull.” The most accurate definition refers to two breeds: the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. Some people include other breeds in this group because they share similar head shapes and body types.
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Purdue Extension to offer diabetes cooking school
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service-Parke County is offering a diabetes cooking school starting Feb. 27.
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Pepsi Community Caps Program to benefit charities
Refreshment Services-Pepsi will kick off its 2012 Community Caps Program on March 1. The Community Caps Program will benefit several charitable organizations and schools in Clay, Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County in Illinois.
- Special Occasions: Feb. 5, 2012
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Serve as 4-H judge, volunteer
The 2012 4-H Bi-State Judges and Leaders Clinic will be Feb. 18 at Ivy Tech Community College’s Main Campus, at 8000 S. Education Drive.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Feb. 5, 2012
With January now history we can report new faces in both master point races, male and female.
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Tried 'n' True: Upside Down Pizza calls for crescent rolls
When our boys were young, we went every Sunday evening for pizza in Charleston, Ill. When they got to be older and they were working on the farm, I would make pizza from scratch.
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Extension to offer basic food preservation workshops
Purdue University Extension will be offering basic food preservation workshops at Clabber Girl Culinary Classroom in Terre Haute. Two sessions will offer different methods.
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GRAPE SENSE: Trips open my eyes to new wines in new regions
The wine industry spends a lot of money worldwide to promote brands, regions, and wine tourism. One of the many ways the wine industry invests is press trips.
Depending on when you read this column, I’m either in France or just returned from a press trip.
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Clay Habitat plans open house
Habitat for Humanity of Clay County will stage the dedication ceremony and open house for the Mary Ann Hofmann family home from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at 518 E. Ridge St. in Brazil.
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Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
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8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
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Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
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Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
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Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
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