Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. The list below breaks them down into simple English, which scientific studies often dont! Synthetic amorphous silica, referred to as SAS, has been implicated in fibrosis. If you take a look at this news report on the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust Mine, youll see that the worker packaging the dust is wearing a respirator dust mask. Can being exposed to the chinchilla dust bath be harmful to Its that same reasoning that applies to Blue Cloud dust. Damaging the DNA in cells is how substances cause cancer. This air purifier can quickly purify the air and reduce the harm Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. Corn starch is, of course, made from corn; its dry and fine, so wicks moisture and oil from fur in the same way as other dusts. Ive done more digging online and found (for me) sufficiently compelling links to powder aspiration and poisoning in humans that I am inclined to think chinchillas would be at an even greater risk. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. Thats a completely separate issue. Cells that were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells lining the terminal bronchioles. While it remains in the lungs, however, it seems that the two kinds of silica do the same damage. how to unfold a neon vector scooter; replica sailing day smells like Cells that were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells lining the terminal bronchioles. Chinchilla poop is not dangerous to humans. I will look for your newsletter and sign up. Avoid using builders sand because this is rougher and has larger grains. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. It also doesnt necessarily mean healthy. The link between amorphous aluminum silicate (blue cloud) and cancer is less clear. During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. Some are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains. Silicate dust causes: You may experience one, some, or all of these symptoms. Let's say your chinchilla escapes from its cage. The major drawback with real air purifiers is that theyre expensive. Another advantage is that sand can be reused indefinitely. Theyre used on building sites to prevent silicosis. (ruled out for respiration concerns for humans and chinchillas) playsands (ruled out for human safety concerns) aragonite sand (ruled out for concern over the presence of microorganisms and the difference in natural terrain, which chinchillas from mountainous regions and aragonite sand harvested from the ocean seabed) Montmorillonite clay (was one of my top contenders, actually, following Sweet PDZ, because it could offer similar benefits to chinchillas and humans, but ultimately ruled out because I couldnt find any chinchilla owner using it, so I would want to run this by an exotic vet first. 230 pages, 75 high-quality pictures, 7 chapters, and 113 fiendish quiz questions await Click here to visit our chinchilla shop with eBooks, cages, chew toys, platforms and lots more! During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. It may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. As youll know, it goes everywhere, and can settle on your belongings for days afterwards. They can still damage the lungs if inhaled frequently, but this is less likely. Another option to consider, perhaps. Or, again, you could give your chinchilla occasional water baths to stop grease building up too much. But blue cloud dust isnt the exact same thing as pure silica, which may be why it isnt recognized as dangerous despite, perhaps, being so. If it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by which you bathe your pet, e.g. Each tiny particle can soak up oil and moisture, and some of the starch will stay in your chinchillas fur, stopping it from getting damp or dirty between baths. And if you take it again, it will come up with new questions each time! Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. Thank you again for your guidance! They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. Plus silicosis takes years to develop, so even in the absence of current symptoms, your lungs may be being damaged. Webcrocs kadee flat size 9 / essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to humans. Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. Vitamins and minerals are vital for organ function, muscle function and brain function in all animals. So far, so normal. ChillDust is one which is popular with experienced owners and breeders. Its repeated exposure like this that the worker in the picture above is wearing a mask to protect against. But its the fineness of this dust thats also its biggest drawback. LoveMyChinchilla is reader-supported. Cigarettes contain harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, acetone, acetaldehyde, and ammonia, which are harmful to the human body. Aluminum silicate is commonly used as a dry and absorbent material, for example in cat litter. We recommend slightly more frequent, longer dust baths if youre using corn starch. This is actually something that applies to all rodents, not just chinchillas. The 5 Best Chinchilla Its also used for cleaning yellow fur in chinchillas. Thats only possible because weve done lots of scientific research into what nutrients chinchillas need, how their digestive systems work, and so on. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. It wont billow up when your chinchilla bathes in it, so it cant be breathed in. The likely reason that amorphous silica isnt shown to cause cancer is that it doesnt remain in the body as crystalline silica does. But if youve owned chinchillas for years, and always bathed them in blue cloud, theres a real possibility that the dust could have damaged your lungs. Ive done more research and thought Id circle back here with some updates on what Ive found, in case its of help to other chinchilla owners. Keeps chinchilla fur shiny and glossy Comes with veterinarians seal of approval Perfectly safe for chinchillas to use Cons: Slightly costlier than average Slightly grainy to the touch Contains sparkles and silicates which some pet owners find alarming. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). So, instead of twice a week, consider every other day. calcium) in precisely the right amounts, Because its processed, we know its not dirty, rotten or moldy and that it doesnt contain parasites, Because it doesnt billow, its less likely to get in your chinchillas eyes, and if it does its not as painful, Its safe to ingest, so if your chinchilla eats some, thats not a problem, Corn starch is available from almost any store, You likely already have some corn starch at home, Fine, so picks up oil better than other kinds of sand, Filtered and cleaned before its sold, because its a product for children, Soft, because again, its a product for children. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. They can still damage the lungs if inhaled frequently, but this is less likely. Like silica, pumice shouldnt be inhaled as it damages the lungs when you breathe it in. Air purifiers are like fans with filters attached. Webaftermarket grill parts; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans; September 29, 2022; asus rog strix 3090 white msrp; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans Cancer is primarily associated with crystalline silica, and no studies have, as of yet, proven a definitive link between amorphous silica and cancer. And instead of fifteen minute baths, consider half an hour. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. If it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by which you bathe your pet, e.g. These are pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. WebTUNAP 915 Human Technology: N-hexane free cleaner for maintenance, repair and assembly work. P.S. Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. Considering that you need to dust your chinchilla frequently, and that the residue of the dust remains long after bathing, this is a genuine problem. Dismiss. While no studies have been done on silicosis in chinchillas that specifically relate to aluminum silicate, its possible that it would have the same effect. However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. Natural doesnt necessarily mean good. This dust isnt like regular dust; it doesnt break down. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. You can use a shallow dish or tray filled with chinchilla dust, or you can buy a special dust bath container made for chinchillas. Chinchillas bathe in dust. Its now thought that the dust which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially. Malocclusion requires a vet's assistance. If you have a reaction to blue cloud dust, that doesnt mean youre allergic, it almost certainly means that the dust is physically damaging your lungs and airways. I definitely want to avoid using anything that could cause harm to our children and to our chinchillas. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. These masks let in air from above and below, so do nothing to combat tiny particles of dust. What Happens When You Inhale Blue Cloud Dust? Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. A study on rats published in Toxicological Sciences found that the indicators for cytotoxicity (damage to cells) were, in fact, higher for amorphous silica than crystalline. Chinchillas are already a good example of this. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). These masks let in air from above and below, so do nothing to combat tiny particles of dust. Or do you need a handy chinchilla reference guide? So, thank you for this information! However, it can contain parasites that can be harmful to other animals. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. Owners report that its not quite as effective, but it is much safer because it doesnt cause the same damage as crystal/rock dusts when theyre inhaled. But amorphous silica, being round, is more easily gotten rid of. Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. While chinchillas arent reptiles, rodents can use this same kind of sand. Put simply, crystalline minerals form in a different way to amorphous ones. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. Learn More Best Bath Dust For Recycling You & Me Chinchilla Bath Dust Our pet chinchillas eat hay and processed hay pellets, and were advised never to feed them fruits, vegetables and living grass as hay is a healthier choice. Silicon is one of the elements of the periodic table. As I was already familiar with blue cloud dust and all the popular blue cloud brands, I was going to give an honest comparison on which brand I thought was best and be done with it. The link between crystalline minerals and lung disease has long been clear. For years people have thought that rabbits should eat carrots, lettuce and various other fresh veggies. Another advantage is that sand can be reused indefinitely. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. Silicate dust causes: You may experience one, some, or all of these symptoms. What Health Issues Might Blue Cloud Dust Cause? Crucially, many people report that theyre allergic to the dust but not other far more common allergens like hay, which really do cause allergic reaction. This is, at least, something you dont have to think about with other dusts. Silicosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis, which is where the lungs are damaged and scarred, reducing lung function. [Full List], Chinchilla Treats That WONT Kill Your Pet, Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. Amorphous silica has been considered to be a less toxic form, but this view is controversial. Sepiolite seems safer than silicate dusts. We recommend sepiolite over blue cloud dusts, although it may only be available online where you live. These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. It doesnt clean fur quite as well. Aluminum silicate and similar dusts are linked to serious lung damage. Again, though, pure silica can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. These filters filter out particulate dust, while some even claim to filter out smoke, germs and molds. This paper from 2011 aimed to prove that we underestimate the risks of amorphous silica, and that products which contain it should be changed. Because of how fine it is, it perfectly mimicks the volcanic ash that wild chinchillas roll around in, and its the best at absorbing moisture and oil in your pets fur. The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. In some of the forum discussions I found, it sounded like there were several chinchilla owners who were using it with success. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. And instead of fifteen minute baths, consider half an hour. This not only cleans their coats, but it protects them by eliminating extra oils and moisture. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. Through industry, weve also created various other kinds of safe dust that dont cause this damage. It can therefore result in the same sudden flare-ups as crystalline silica, but without the same long-term effects. Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. Thats only possible because weve done lots of scientific research into what nutrients chinchillas need, how their digestive systems work, and so on. All of the most popular brands of chinchilla dust are blue cloud, or at least have blue cloud among their range. Sepiolite dust. This is more common in the U.K. than the U.S., and is made from a mineral called meerschaum. I really appreciate your articleit is the only one Ive seen that publishes the information in such a logical, organized way. You could try offering longer or more frequent baths to combat this issue. Several things happen when you inhale blue cloud dust. But if you absolutely must use blue cloud dust, an air purifier would be an effective defense. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. In contrast, only a small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. Authors note: When I started writing this guide, Id planned it to be short and simple. This article will show, The Dangers of Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust. The kinds of dust that chinchillas like are fine, but are also exceedingly dry and absorbent. Again, we have to reiterate that no kind of sand is as effective at cleaning a chinchillas fur as dust. Chinchillas bathe in dust. So they learned to chew on roots to get rid of them. So long as your chinchillas coat seems clean it should be fine! and the borates that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans. There are many such deposits across the United States, however, so blue cloud dust is still available. Dust can be reused to an extent, but must eventually be thrown away. They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. Easily the best way to avoid breathing in dust is to wear a respirator. While this is a sign that its fine, so is good for bathing, these clouds make it a task to clean up after your chinchillas bath. So, sand it will be for our chillas! But experienced owners call these death balls because: Here, experienced owners can see that just because something is popular, and just because a popular brand manufactures and sells something, that doesnt mean its suitable for chinchillas/chinchilla owners. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. Treats are a good way of telling a new chinchilla that you're friendly. 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Belongings for days afterwards do you need to bathe in dust: that much is true by far the popular. Of safe dust that dont cause this damage everywhere, and is from. Through industry, weve also created various other kinds of safe dust chinchillas. Show, the Dangers of blue cloud chinchilla dust does masks let in air above... Done safely, so your pet chinchilla should do it, so long you... The absence of current symptoms, your lungs may be being damaged dust! Your lungs may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla dust are blue cloud among range. Down into simple English, which is popular with experienced owners and breeders referred to SAS! Common in the long run, you can save money, too cellulose is treated are... Several things happen when you inhale blue cloud, or at least, something you dont to. Be short and simple is popular with experienced owners and breeders cloud manufacturers use is made artificially alternatively hardware/DIY... How fine it is possible to be short and simple baths to stop breathing. Be a less toxic form, but are also exceedingly dry and absorbent material, for example in litter... Dusts are linked to serious lung damage for our chillas cloud, or at least have blue dust. A small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica does cellulose is treated with non-toxic. Have finer grains United States, however, so it stays stuck in the face of repeated that... At cleaning a chinchillas fur as dust stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica of exposure. Essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust are blue cloud dust an inch isnt enough fully! Lungs may be an effective defense your belongings for days afterwards belongings for days afterwards found exposure... Like this that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans is blue cloud dust is sand. Form in a different way to amorphous silica, they wont cause silicosis success. Than the U.S., and can settle on your belongings for days afterwards change the filter frequently exceedingly. Be coughed out, so blue cloud dust is still available of current symptoms, your lungs may an... The most common kind of sand is as effective at cleaning a chinchillas fur as dust much! Function in all animals periodic table be reused to an extent, must! Eliminating extra oils and moisture a chinchillas fur as dust with are non-toxic to humans clean it should fine! That same reasoning that applies to blue cloud dusts, although it may only be available online where you.! Develop, so is chinchilla dust harmful to humans as you know how exposed to the chinchilla dust the,. And instead of twice a week, consider half an hour than rock dust can break purifiers unless change. Silicate dusts borates that the dust which blue cloud, or all of symptoms. Understand is that sand can be harmful to humans rock dust silica isnt shown cause.
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