Warning: household chore can be deadly for your pet
In autumn, and in any season, we like to have our pets close to us. They usually have their favourite place at home, where they can relax, rest and unwind. Be careful what you do in the presence of your little companion, especially with this household chore that can be extremely dangerous.
On Radio 2, Daisy talks about her dog, a chihuahua, and her cat who died after doing a chore in the house. She had used a special spray to treat her wooden furniture. The packaging indicated that the ingredients could cause irritation, but not that some substances could cause death.
Toxicologist Jan Tytgat from KULeuven (Belgium) recommends always being very careful with cleaning products, especially if you have pets. "Small animals have a higher respiratory rate than humans," explains Professor Tytgat. "They therefore absorb toxic substances more quickly and die quicker. This is also why our ancestors took canaries into the coal mines." Canaries are particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide, and are therefore good indicators.
The expert also expressed his surprise at Daisy's story. "But as always in toxicology, the dose makes the poison. I fear that in this case, there wasn't enough ventilation."
When analyzing the composition of the product used, the professor mainly saw volatile substances in the list of ingredients. "Butyl and ethyl acetate cause headaches, dizziness and vomiting. They have a dulling effect on consciousness and, in large quantities, they can even cause coma."
Take precautions:
Ventilate your rooms as well as possible when using such a product: this is the main precaution to remember. Some other advice from the toxicologist?
· Preferably use chemical sprays outside;
· Never spray the spray towards the body or face;
· Do not rely on a face mask: gases can pass through it;
· Temporarily remove animals from the area where the treatment is taking place. If necessary, place them with your neighbors or family for a few days.
(MH with AsD with FVDV for Tagtik/Source: Radio 2/Illustration photo: Pixabay)
