is chinchilla dust harmful to humans

Sepiolite is a mineral thats also known as meerschaum. However, silicon-based dusts are known to be dangerous to inhale. This one, for example, similarly looked at the effects of amorphous silica. 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. 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. Silicate dust causes: You may experience one, some, or all of these symptoms. Its no more expensive than blue cloud. P.S. [Full List], Chinchilla Treats That WONT Kill Your Pet, Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. Sweet PDZ is usually used in horse stalls to eliminate and reduce odors. WebIs Chinchilla dust harmful to humans? My apologies if I missed it while viewing the site on my phone. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. Just make sure its not treated with some kind of chemical before using it. Thats why builders and tradesmen who work in environments with lots of silicate dust in the air can stay safe just by wearing a respirator. Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter! . But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. These masks let in air from above and below, so do nothing to combat tiny particles of dust. Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. About 80,000 households own chinchillas, which carry Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes associated with inflammatory tinea capitis. This applies to any kind of fine silicate dust, be that pure silica, aluminum silicate, or silica mixed with something else. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. But chinchillas don't need all the ones that we do; they can make their own vitamin C, for example, unlike us. how to unfold a neon vector scooter; replica sailing day smells like The powder or dust is too fine, and is harmful to our hamsters respiratory systems. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. We would recommend sepiolite, corn starch or sand instead. It is one of the few free exploits that doesnt contain keys, ContentsMarket size of $120 billion by 2021A lot of hard workMany people work as a freelancer In the computer software prepackaged software industry, there are several different types of job, ContentsUninstall FaceItOpen System RestoreWhen you install FACEIT If you want to know how to uninstall FaceIt from your computer, you have come to the right place. When a chinchilla rolls around in it, the dust billows up into the air. Its mined from the ground; the first known mine was the Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust Mine in California which operated since at least the 1950s, but was closed by 2016. We recommend childrens play sand, as this sand is: Even generic play sand is typically fine. Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. Learn More Best Bath Dust For Recycling You & Me Chinchilla Bath Dust Chinchillas bathe in dust. So, check before you buy. 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. Thank you! However, the result suggests a mechanistic difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and non-opsonized silica particle phagocytosis. Cells that were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells lining the terminal bronchioles. Treats are a good way of telling a new chinchilla that you're friendly. This will get rid of much of the dust. switching from evenings to mornings. Some are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains. There are lots of different kinds of silicon-based dusts that are known to cause problems in the lungs. 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. It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If these effects continue for many years, whether because the dust is continually inhaled or because it cant be coughed up again, it can cause serious health issues like fibrosis. Thats because it doesnt trigger allergies like rock dusts, so its perfect for people with asthma or lung disease. 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. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. Blue cloud dust is made from something called rhyolite. But not everything we think we know about chinchilla dust is true. Besides this, there seems to be a link between inflammation and cancer. Did you come across any validation of these concerns in your research? Respirators are masks that have filters in them. Even with beneficial minerals, though, it would be wise to take care and minimize the amount of mineral breathed in while dusting chinchillas. 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. Thats really interesting, Ill have to do some more research on corn starch too then! Crystalline silica is jagged, so can attach itself to the walls of the lungs. They will take dust baths on their own if given the opportunity, but you can also help them out by providing a dust bath area. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. These clean a chinchillas fur in the same way as blue cloudin some cases not quite so well, but not to the point that your chinchilla would be greasy after it bathed. When a chinchilla rolls around in it, the dust billows up into the air. Lets begin with what we know. switching from evenings to mornings. Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. And instead of fifteen minute baths, consider half an hour. The guide below explores what alternatives there are, why blue cloud is so popular even though it may be dangerous, and what you should do if you intend to keep using it. So its possible that blue cloud will shorten your pets life. Theyre used on building sites to prevent silicosis. As such, almost every owner recommends blue cloud dust from one of various brands. This would explain why crystalline silica can cause cancer so easily: its causes both direct damage to DNA and long-term inflammation. The increased numbers of cells showing positive TUNEL staining after 90 days of amorphous-silica inhalation suggest significant increase of intracellular damage, which may lead to cell death. 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. Sweet PDZ in powder form. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. Think you know everything there is to know about chinchillas? Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. Chinchilla poop is not dangerous to humans. If none of your rooms has an extractor fan, pick a room that has large windows. Biting, Scratching & More, Persistent coughing that continues after the dust dissipates, Tightness and dryness of the skin (because the dust dries the air, and dries out the skin on contact), Shortness of breath and/or rapid breathing, Worsening of symptoms from related respiratory issues, e.g. 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. Blue cloud dust is the common name for aluminum silicate dust which is known to damage the lungs. Some owners will swear by one brand, other owners by another, but broadly they all do the same thing with roughly the same level of effectiveness. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. These are pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. Another option to consider, perhaps. This paper from 2011 aimed to prove that we underestimate the risks of amorphous silica, and that products which contain it should be changed. The problem would be if its fine enough to inhale. Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. Many common chinchilla dust brands are made of pumice powder, and its seen as a viable alternative to blue cloud. This isn't a trick question. What Health Issues Might Blue Cloud Dust Cause? Again, though, pure silica can cause pulmonary fibrosis. Thats why owners report that when they use sand, their chinchillas fur is still greasy afterwards. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. Just make sure its not treated with some kind of chemical before using it. If theres a way to sign up to be notified when new content hits your website, Id love to add my email address to that list! The lungs then have reduced capacity and can even get infected. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. It may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. The mechanism by which particles are bound and internalized and the reason particles are toxic is unclear. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. 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. how to unfold a neon vector scooter; replica sailing day smells like Cellulose has a great burn rate and although its dusty when being installed, it is completely safe. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. What happens is that when the tiny particles are inhaled, they cause inflammation. They cost hundreds of dollars. Malocclusion requires a vet's assistance. Studies like this one have shown a causative link between aluminum silicate dust and pulmonary fibrosis, which is where the lungs are damaged by tiny scars from inhaled dust. This may be slightly less convenient for you. But with so many chinchilla owners reporting sensitivity or allergy to silicate blue cloud dust, that points to physical damage being the cause, not allergic reaction. It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. There are many such deposits across the United States, however, so blue cloud dust is still available. Would I stick my head in a jar and snort some up? This is actually something that applies to all rodents, not just chinchillas. Can you use treats to make a chinchilla like you? Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. Besides silicosis, crystalline silica is also shown to cause cancer. This quiz features questions on every topic of chinchilla care, from behavior to nutrition. 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. And general silicosis has been demonstrated in other rodents, too. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. As youll know from experience, chinchilla dust hangs in the air, and for days afterwards is present as a thin coat on all your belongings. If you do plan on using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. About 80,000 If you have other pets, it is important to For them better than our chinchillas and can even get infected reduce.... Less clear, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate dust is. Are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains understand is that crystalline! To do some more research on corn starch, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new for. For further reading, and it can is chinchilla dust harmful to humans be more easily coughed.... 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