(Newswire.net – June 6, 2013) Santa Fe, New Mexico — Flame retardant chemicals found in hidden in furniture, mattresses, rugs, children’s clothing, car seats and much more are now being linked to hyperthyroidism in indoor cats. At precisely the time flame retardants became heavily used in the 70s and 80s, deaths of indoor cats dying of thyroid problems skyrocketed. Currently, these flame-retardants are widely viewed with concern about unintended effects.
Dr. Dennis Wackerbarth, a top veterinary expert on hyperthyroid disease in cats from Shoreline, Washington, says countless numbers of cats die from hyperthyroid disease each year. Millions of indoor cats have been hit in recent decades by thyroid glands that go crazy, switching their metabolism into high gear. They become ravenous, yet their bodies waste away until they die.
Scientists examined the places where indoor cats spend their time. They are on the furniture, on the beds and on the carpet. These are full of flame-retardants chemicals. A groundbreaking government study found “significant association” between the cat illness and certain flame-retardants. ?These toxic chemicals, in one variation or another, is added to all sorts of things found in nearly every American home, including mattresses, foam padding, carpet pads, appliance chords, electronics, children’s clothes and more.
The question remain, if these chemicals are wreaking havoc with your cat, what are they doing to your children and to us?
Sharon Nelson, Democrat from Maury Island, Washington, is among the lawmakers fighting to extend existing bans on flame retardants that have become so pervasive they’re now found in nature, wildlife and almost certainly in people. Experts believe you would find traces of the chemical in everyone.
Some of the more toxic forms have already been banned. The chemical industry creates replacement forms of flame-retardants they feel are safer, but critics say they’re still too toxic. “It’s time for the toxic treadmill to stop,” Nelson said.
Solutions lie with educating the general public of the hazards of flame retardant chemicals. Companies can be pressed to reveal the chemicals they are using and consumers have the power to not buy products with toxic chemicals in them.
Northern Naturals is one company that does offer futon mattresses, rugs, wool mattress pads, latex toppers, blankets, and pillows that are all free of flame-retardants.
About Northern Naturals Northern Naturals, an online store is now in its 15th year. This company provides excellent products in the natural and organic bedding industry from futons and pure latex toppers to wool mattress pads, 100% cotton rugs and pillows. Contact: customerservice@northernnaturals.com and www.northernnaturals.com