Yikes! PVC warning

[BlueMoonGoddess]

I was just looking at a parrot forum and came across a post  that pointed out the dangers of soft PVC. Apparantly it contains lead and other toxins which can leach out, poisoning an animal and causing tumors and kidney problems.   I had never heard of this before, and although this reference is intended for birds, i see no reason why it would not apply to rats (or any other creature for that matter). I use vinyl flooring in my rattie cages (though I suppose i won't anymore) and there are probably some things in their playroom that contain soft PVC...   Here is the link to a site with more info, and what was posted:

"http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww18eiv.htm :

There is now a growing awareness that toys made from SOFT PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or vinyl contain toxic chemicals as well as lead and cadmium.

Chemicals from soft PVC (vinyl), if chewed upon, can leach into the mouth and when ingested can cause a variety of tumors, organ damage and abnormalities in children and animals.

In addition, a laboratory analysis of a number of common vinyl products demonstrated that they release toxic metal dust to their surfaces. This dust, contaminated with lead and cadmium can enter the body via licking, chewing, inhalation, and hand-to-mouth transfer. Lead isa well known toxin. Cadmium is a known carcinogen and kidney toxin.

A list of some of the toys which contain soft PVC and two press releases on the subject from Greenpeace are included below. A fuller list of PVC and safe non-PVC toys, as well as more detailed information can be found at the Greenpeace website: http://www.greenpeace.org/pvctoys"

(posted by Tara on "Up At Six" African Grey forum)

[Rose]

Yikes!  My girls chew on that occasionally.

[Kristen]

Would the pvc pipes from home depot be bad? I was just about to go get one!  

[Deedles]

The URL doesnt work =(

-Debi

[Ratty Corner]

Try this:

www.greenpeace.org/~comms/pvctoys/

[Suebee]

Would the pvc pipes from home depot be bad? I was just about to go get one!  

No, they're fine. That's hard PVC. Soft PVC is stuff like Barbie doll heads and those rubbery bird toys...

...though now I am having second thoughts about my vinyl carpet runner cage flooring... *grumble*

[Sam]

Would the pvc pipes from home depot be bad? I was just about to go get one!  

No, they're fine. That's hard PVC. Soft PVC is stuff like Barbie doll heads and those rubbery bird toys...

...though now I am having second thoughts about my vinyl carpet runner cage flooring... *grumble*

Thank goodness, If I tried to take Bria's tube away ther'd be murder!

[dragonli]

I'm not surprised to hear it. They ban you from installing PVC network wiring in office buildings because if there is a fire, toxic smoke can seep everywhere. I was almost concerned about the piping myself, but after feeling it, I'd love to see my guys chew through it!!