Study warns chemicals found in furniture, clothing, and kitchenware linked to endocrine disorder in cats.

Common chemicals found in a number of household products, including protective coatings on furniture and clothing, may be harming your pet’s health.

A new study has pinpointed a potential link between PFAS – a controversial group of man-made chemicals – and elevated levels of hyperthyroidism in domestic cats.

The findings suggest exposure to these chemicals may put cats at greater risk of endocrine disorders over time, leading to higher instances in the animals as they age.

Common chemicals found in a number of household products, including protective coatings on furniture and clothing, may be harming your pet’s health. Stock image

In the study, researchers from the California Environmental Protection Agency analyzed blood samples from senior cats living in Northern California.

The team also examined the animals’ exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are highly fluorinated chemicals that can be found in both industrial and consumer products.

PFAS are used in many stain and water-repellent fabrics, along with non-stick products, polishes, and much more.

And, these chemicals do not break down, meaning they can accumulate in both the environment and the body, according to the EPA.

In comparing the PFAS levels between cats with and without hyperthyroidism, the researchers found a possible link between higher levels of the chemical and the endocrine disorder.

‘Our lab has been investigating PFAS for years,’ said lead author Dr. Miaomiao Wang, of the California Environmental Protection Agency.

‘Cats can be good sentinels to examine body burdens of emerging pollutants, including PFAS.

‘The current study is only preliminary, however, and larger scale studies might be helpful to confirm our findings.’

A new study has pinpointed a potential link between PFAS and elevated levels of hyperthyroidism in domestic cats. The findings suggest exposure to these chemicals may put cats at greater risk of endocrine disorders over time. Stock image

It comes amid mounting evidence that commonly used chemicals are inadvertently affecting animals, both domestic and in the wild.

A study released earlier this month found that another group of endocrine disruptors has made its way into the bodies of dolphins.

Phthalates, which can be found in cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and other products were documented in dolphins’ urine for the first time, indicating they’re lingering in the body long enough to be metabolized.

Among the known side effects, phthalates have been linked to low sperm count and abnormal development of reproductive organs.

At this stage, however, it’s unclear just how they will affect dolphins.

CONTROVERSY OVER ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS

WHAT ARE THESE CHEMICALS?

So-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in thousands of everyday products, ranging from plastic and metal food containers, to detergents, flame retardants, toys and cosmetics.

This term covers a number of chemicals.

One is called PBDEs, which are commonly found in flame retardants.

Bisphenol A in polycarbonate plastic is used for hard reusable bottles and food containers. Phthalates are used for disposable water bottles.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

The invisible chemical cause neurological and behavioral disorders like autism and ADHD.

They also affect IQ.

And they manipulate hormones in a way that can cause cancer, diabetes, male infertility, and endometriosis. 

In the study, researchers collected urine samples from dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida between 2016 and 2017.

Previous research uncovered evidence of phthalate metabolites in dolphins’ blubber and skin.

But, the new work shows the problem goes deeper than that.

While humans can be exposed to phthalates through cleaning products, cosmetics, and personal care items, the source of the levels seen in dolphins is still something of a mystery.

But, the researchers say plastic waste could be to blame, as high concentrations of a specific compound commonly added to plastics was found in the urine.