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Billions of tons of chemicals such as mercury, lead, sulfates, and VOCs are released into the air every year. These airborne toxins can be carried by the jet stream across the globe. For instance, toxins released in China are starting to show up in the US. 1 |
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Heavy metals such as mercury from fertilizers, can cause symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, neuromuscular changes, headaches, kidney effects, respiratory failure and death. 2 Fungicides and other pesticides are commonly used in corn and grain products and are fed to cats. Aflatoxins from molds in cat food are dangerous to cats. 3 |
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Is your pet drinking filtered water? If not, it may be at risk. Studies performed by the Environmental Working Group found 141 unregulated contaminants detected in the water supply between 1998 and 2003. 52 are linked to cancer, 41 to reproductive toxicity, 36 to developmental toxicity, and 16 to immune system damage, according to chemical listings in seven standard government and industry toxicity references. 4 |
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From food containers to stall toys and protective feet and leg coverings, your horse may be exposed to chemicals such as dioxins, phthalates and bisphenol A. Check the bottom of your plastic containers to see which type of plastic it is. Generally #2, #4 and #5 are the safest. 5 |
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Parasites not only drain nutrients from their host but can also affect their behavior. 6 Common chemical dewormers are very powerful and may contribute to further toxicity. Check the side effects of your drugs for more information. Parasites also tend to accumulate heavy metals so when they are killed those can be released. |
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Vaccines are a very controversial topic right now. Many vaccines contain Thimerosal, which is 49% methyl-mercury (chemical structure C9H9HgNaO2S)7. Methyl-mercury is considered even more toxic than mercury. Aluminum and formaldehyde are also common ingredients. Some vaccinations are available without the preservative Thimerosal. Check with your veterinarian. |
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While flea control treatments can be beneficial to your cat's health and happiness, they can also contribute to the number of chemicals they are exposed to. |
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Many prescription drugs are processed by the liver and place an additional load on it. Remember, the liver is the main cleansing and detoxifying organ in the body. Side effects from many drugs can also be substantial. |
1 - http://www.asianews.it/index.php?art=6843&l=en >
2 - http://www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm
3 - http://www.aflatoxin.info/health.asp
4 - http://www.ewg.org/tapwater/findings.php
5 - http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/plastic-containers
6 - http://sciencefictionbiology.blogspot.com/2006/10/parasites-that-control-behavior.html
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thimerosal