Do your dog's toys contain toxins? 

September 16, 2009

The Washington Toxics Coalition reported today, that they, along with the Michigan-based Ecology Center, have tested over 400 pet products for a host of toxic chemicals including lead, cadmium, mercury, bromine, chlorine (PVC), arsenic, flame retardants and phthlalates.

These chemicals are absorbed by the body (whether human or canine) and are suspected to cause reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, liver toxicity and cancer. And although government standards exist for such chemicals in human products, there are no such rules for items used by pets.

In fact, tennis balls made for pets were tested and nearly half of them had detectable levels of lead, despite the fact that tennis balls made for use in human sports do not contain lead.

“Parents, including parents of furry, four-legged kids, shouldn’t have to worry whether the toys they buy are harmful,” said Ivy Sager-Rosenthal, campaign director with the Washington Toxics Coalition. “People are sick and tired of hearing about toxic toys, toxic chew toys, toxic chemicals in their products. We need a better system of laws that doesn’t require people to be chemists before they buy something.”

One of the safest items tested by the coalition turned out to be the ever-popular Kong line of toys. These strong, bouncy rubber toys, many with holes that can hide tasty treats, are loved by dogs everywhere. Our friends at SitStay.com carry a wide selection of Kong toys, so check them out!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

To learn if your dog's toys, bed or collar contain dangerous levels of toxic chemicals, visit the Ecology Center's Healthy Stuff website to search their database.

Watch Environmental Specialist Gary Chittim's news report on KING5-TV and Denise Whittaker's report on KOMO-TV, both in Seattle.