Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder of house cats, with over 10 percent of kitties over the age of 10 diagnosed with the disease. Since hyperthyroidism was discovered over thirty years ago (1979), the sudden appearance and rapid increase in cases in both humans and cats has generated several studies in a search for potential causes.
PBDEs are used as flame retardants in furniture and electronics. The compounds can leak from these products into the environment.
PBDEs are known endocrine and thyroid disruptors, so it’s likely no coincidence that widespread use of these flame retardant chemicals began right before the first diagnoses of hyperthyroidism.
- A recent study suggests that house dust could be a major contributing factor to thyroid disease in cats. The appearance of the disease known as hyperthyroidism in the late 1970s correlates with the widespread introduction of PBDEs – flame retardants – in consumer products.
- University of Illinois researchers determined that cats living in homes with high levels of PBDEs in household dust had a significantly greater incidence of thyroid disease. In addition, the level of dust PBDEs was closely linked to serum total blood T4 concentrations.
- Both dogs and cats have significantly higher concentrations of PBDEs in their blood than humans, however, dogs appear to metabolize the chemicals faster than cats.
- PBDEs are found in homes, offices and vehicles, in everything from carpet padding to toner cartridges. When a product containing PBDEs heats up with use or begins to deteriorate, the flame retardant chemicals can leak into the environment.
- It’s probably not possible to totally eliminate PBDEs from your environment, but there are steps you can take to limit your exposure.
Boosting your pets immune system is always a good idea, Here are a few immune points to try.
To read the full article click below