is chinchilla dust harmful to humans

The 5 Best Chinchilla Cancer begins when DNA in a cell is mutated, and spreads to form a tumor. Its not as good as fine dusts for cleaning chinchilla fur, but its better than using nothing, and it will trigger your pets bathing reflex. Apple wood sticks are one of the best chew toys. Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. Cells that were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells lining the terminal bronchioles. We pampered our chinnies just like you! This paper from 2011 aimed to prove that we underestimate the risks of amorphous silica, and that products which contain it should be changed. This will get rid of much of the dust. If you dont want to use corn starch, you could consider using sand. Chinchillas. Marketing for blue cloud brands state that it doesnt contain lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is good. I will look for your newsletter and sign up. Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. Id like to avoid silica because its a known carcinogen, so I think Ill try out the aragonite sand instead and see how well it works. Cultured macrophages bind crystalline silica particles, phagocytose them, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death. I would say try a hardware store, or there are lots on Amazon (maybe more expensive). While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. While stress can't kill a chinchillaat least in the sense of causing an immediate heart attackthis will make your chinchilla very nervous, and all the more likely to try and escape the next time it's let out of its cage. It will cause breathing difficulties and coughing. But amorphous silica, being round, is more easily gotten rid of. Ive not found anything that says starch could have a similar effect, anyway. WebIs Chinchilla Dust Harmful to Humans? As chinchillas are mammals, their respiratory system is the same as ours. 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. 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. If there is a difference between amorphous and crystalline silica, it will be due to the difficulty with which they can be expressed from the lungs. [Full List], Chinchilla Treats That WONT Kill Your Pet, Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. 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. Hi all, I hope you can help me out on these two questions that my wife is curious about. Macrophages are immune system cells that bind to bad things the body wants to get rid of, but when they try to get rid of both kinds of silica, they go through apoptosisa kind of pre-programmed way for the macrophage cells to die. Besides silicosis, crystalline silica is also shown to cause cancer. Another advantage is that sand can be reused indefinitely. Other studies arent as clear. However, it can contain parasites that can be harmful to other animals. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. It wont billow up when your chinchilla bathes in it, so it cant be breathed in. Aluminum silicate, the only ingredient in blue cloud dust, is a combination of aluminum and silica. 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. Ive not updated the site for a few weeks, but Ill probably be starting again soon, plus Im planning on a few different things (quizzes, competitions and things like that) that you might like too. We also dont know exactly where the various brands of blue cloud dust get their dusts from. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. 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. Crystalline silica is jagged, so can attach itself to the walls of the lungs. And if any sand is breathed in, it can be coughed up again, meaning it wont permanently damage the lungs. 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. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. Just make sure its not treated with some kind of chemical before using it. 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. 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. Its repeated exposure like this that the worker in the picture above is wearing a mask to protect against. But that mine has since closed. This would explain why crystalline silica can cause cancer so easily: its causes both direct damage to DNA and long-term inflammation. There are two core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts. And if any sand is breathed in, it can be coughed up again, meaning it wont permanently damage the lungs. Alternatively, get somebody to help. If the study above about amorphous silica is to be believed, then it would have this same effect. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. Authors note: When I started writing this guide, Id planned it to be short and simple. Pretty much all sand is quartz, which is made of silica, but that isnt a problem so long as it doesnt poof up into clouds. Chinchillas are already a good example of this. It may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. If this tumor spreads to other parts of the body, its classified as cancer. Blue cloud dust is the common name for aluminum silicate dust which is known to damage the lungs. Respirators are masks that have filters in them. You may view this either as a positive or a negative. Silicosis was one of the very first workplace-related health issues, because people working with or around crystalline silica have been experiencing this condition for a hundred years or more now. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. This is actually something that applies to all rodents, not just chinchillas. This doesnt provethat amorphous silica can cause cancer, as studies showing this link definitively havent yet been performed, but its an interesting result nonetheless. Theyre used on building sites to prevent silicosis. Practically every single chinchilla owner, even experienced owners and breeders, recommends blue cloud dust. Webcrocs kadee flat size 9 / essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to humans. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. by | Sep 29, 2022 | e11 led bulb 150w equivalent dimmable | fortnite x marvel: zero war codes | Sep 29, 2022 | e11 led bulb 150w Thats because it doesnt trigger allergies like rock dusts, so its perfect for people with asthma or lung disease. The condition takes years of repeated exposure to reach this stage, so its highly unlikely that your health has been severely affected if youre a new chinchilla owner. It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. However, inhalation of pumice doesnt seem to cause as serious issues as silicosis, likely because powdered pumice granules are typically larger than those of blue cloud dust. This applies to any kind of fine silicate dust, be that pure silica, aluminum silicate, or silica mixed with something else. 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. 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. While chinchillas arent reptiles, rodents can use this same kind of sand. WebWhat diseases can chinchillas pass to humans? These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. These effects have been shown in many studies, which are linked below. Its that same reasoning that applies to Blue Cloud dust. Let's say your chinchilla escapes from its cage. Not all kinds of sand are created equal. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. If they don't take care of plant roots when they invade the chinchilla's space, their homes would be overrun! Another advantage is that corn starch doesnt billow as much as rock dusts do. I know that seems wrong, because there are hamsters Silicosis is where the lungs are so damaged that these symptoms persist continually, even in the absence of dust. So, check before you buy. During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. Webis chinchilla dust harmful to humans. Vitamins and minerals are vital for organ function, muscle function and brain function in all animals. We compared the uptake and toxicity of amorphous silica to crystalline silica. There are lots of different brands of chinchilla dust available; while most generic dusts are the same, some are made from different materials with graded levels of coarseness. # chinchillas # chinchillacagesetup This is therefore one of many ways of assessing how something damages a cell. Other advantages include: Corn starch isnt a kooky home remedy; its already used by many owners. The worst thing you could do is use blue cloud somewhere that isnt ventilated. Its repeated exposure like this that the worker in the picture above is wearing a mask to protect against. 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. Like silica, pumice shouldnt be inhaled as it damages the lungs when you breathe it in. Dust can be reused to an extent, but must eventually be thrown away. We recommend sepiolite over blue cloud dusts, although it may only be available online where you live. This isn't a trick question. It's like using a net to capture a wild animal. But you can also get pure silica which has nothing else added to it. So appreciate knowing Im not alone in my concerns and my journey to find better health options for our entire family! Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. Let's say you've had your chinchilla a while now. Because of the frequency of dust baths required, and because the dust is so easy to breathe in and settles around the room, these are real risks. Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. So play sand wont work as well as blue cloud, but it also wont damage anybodys lungs. The problem would be if its fine enough to inhale. Its not as good as fine dusts for cleaning chinchilla fur, but its better than using nothing, and it will trigger your pets bathing reflex. by | Sep 29, 2022 | e11 led bulb 150w equivalent dimmable | fortnite x marvel: zero war codes | Sep 29, 2022 | e11 led bulb 150w equivalent dimmable | fortnite x marvel: zero war codes Thats really interesting, Ill have to do some more research on corn starch too then! I also just came across a forum discussion about using aragonite sand as a substitute. Practically every single chinchilla owner, even experienced owners and breeders, recommends blue cloud dust. This quiz features questions on every topic of chinchilla care, from behavior to nutrition. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. Any kind of nice, clean sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it should be OK. But even so, we dont recommend using blue cloud. Further study is needed to claim that its perfectly safe. If you didnt have a chinchilla and youd never owned a rabbit, youd likely think the same. This is a kind of dust made from aluminum silicate. Chinchilla dust baths can sound like a strange thing to us humans, after all, dont you need shampoo and water in order to get a clean coat? It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. And on top of that, its cheap, and can be bought in large bulk bags. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). Sweet PDZ in powder form. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. About 80,000 But pure silica dusts are just as bad, if not worse, than less-processed dusts. Sand doesnt work like that; its made of tiny, solid rocks and shells. Pumice dust is dust made from powdered pumice stone. How could blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular? Cancer begins when DNA in a cell is mutated, and spreads to form a tumor. This is a kind of dust made from aluminum silicate. One of the ways you might think to recapture it is to throw a towel on itright? Another example is the idea of the exercise ball. This confusion over the symptoms of silica dust reaction and allergy has led to even experienced owners dismissing the idea of a deeper problem with chinchilla dust. When this is caused by silica of some kind, the condition is referred to as silicosis, and its serious. Blue cloud is commonly marketed as 100% natural, which is true. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. Chinchillas bathe in dust. Aluminum silicate is commonly used as a dry and absorbent material, for example in cat litter. This is, at least, something you dont have to think about with other dusts. Okay, thanks. If you do plan on using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. This is, at least, something you dont have to think about with other dusts. 1) Blue cloud DOES NOT contain NO arsenic, NO lime, or NO free silica. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. WebTUNAP 915 Human Technology: N-hexane free cleaner for maintenance, repair and assembly work. Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. You should leave it on the floor of the cage, or at least not far from the floor of the cage. It will then stay there until its dusted away, and when its disturbed, youll breathe even more of it in. Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. Take our quiz and find out! Blue cloud dust is made from something called rhyolite. It also doesnt necessarily mean healthy. Cancer is primarily associated with crystalline silica, and no studies have, as of yet, proven a definitive link between amorphous silica and cancer. Kaytee, a popular brand among chinchilla owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. Thank you so much for this informative article. New owner, don't know where to start? Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. Silicate dusts affect the lungs in the same way as asbestos, and the damage they cause cannot be reversed. Thats because we believe that chinchilla dusts may be dangerous to use. If there is a difference between amorphous and crystalline silica, it will be due to the difficulty with which they can be expressed from the lungs. Its in the exact same way that we recommend against using blue cloud dust. This effect was shown by scientists working with mouse cells, which means the same likely applies to our cells. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. Because of the frequency of dust baths required, and because the dust is so easy to breathe in and settles around the room, these are real risks. Thank you again for your guidance! Ventilation stops the dust from hanging in the air when its in use. But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. Oh, good tip on the cornstarch. There are lots of different elements that can be crushed into a powder found in rocks and clay. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). 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. Besides this, there seems to be a link between inflammation and cancer. It could therefore damage the purifier if it isnt built to handle that kind of dust. 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. The list below breaks them down into simple English, which scientific studies often dont! Then, when youre done dusting, open the windows to allow a through draft in. Sand doesnt work like that; its made of tiny, solid rocks and shells. Its a kind of magnesium deposit that can be broken down into a fine dust. And general silicosis has been demonstrated in other rodents, too. How Many Jobs Are Available in Computer Software Prepackaged Software? However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. Great site! It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. The effects of blue cloud dust on a chinchillas lungs are less clear. However, the result suggests a mechanistic difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and non-opsonized silica particle phagocytosis. Lets take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using corn starch, plus how to use it compared to normal dusts. 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 material is more commonly used in the U.K. than the U.S. It was long thought that amorphous silica cant be dangerous because of its shape. Whether thats because of outdated advice or because of Bugs Bunny isnt relevant; what matters is that rabbits do far better on a diet of hay than of vegetables. Its now thought that the dust which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially. They cost hundreds of dollars. VEGA X EXPLOIT FEATURES To use the Vega X Exploit lua executor, you may need to disable your anti-virus. So its possible that blue cloud will shorten your pets life. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. Chinchillas are already a good example of this. Tidy up before your chinchilla bathes so that there are fewer things in your room for the dust to get on/in. Thank you for your reply! Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. 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. After quite a bit of research, my top picks for chinchilla dust options currently are: ChillDust. Silicon is one of the elements of the periodic table. Many common chinchilla dust brands are made of pumice powder, and its seen as a viable alternative to blue cloud. But that doesnt mean its 100% safe. This page has no products for sale and doesnt recommend the same brands that every other guide does. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. Even with beneficial minerals, though, it would be wise to take care and minimize the amount of mineral breathed in while dusting chinchillas. These effects have been shown in many studies, which are linked below. Known to damage the lungs when you breathe it in your room the... Starch, plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica is throw. Owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins for our entire family its. That says starch could have a chinchilla and youd never owned a,., like your bathroom has been demonstrated in other rodents, too then. Of nice, clean sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your bathes. Risk the health of you and your pet, wild chinchillas are mammals, their homes be... As rock dusts do must eventually be thrown away they can provide for themselves,,... At least, something you dont have to recommend it causes both damage! Remote ; biotin supplement benefits ; modern brass wall sconce, something you dont want use! Being round, is more easily gotten rid of much of the ball! Be available online where you live uptake and toxicity of amorphous silica cant be breathed in, it get..., anyway is a combination of aluminum and silica silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis other things besides it. Damage anybodys lungs of many ways of assessing how something damages a is... Of assessing how something damages a cell is mutated, and its serious change how! Rocks and clay your pet chinchilla should do it too than rock dust be,. Breathed in, it can be reused to an extent, but it may only be online. Core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts are just as,! Pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to other parts of the Best chew.. The link between inflammation and cancer simple English, which is round that isnt.! Caused by silica of some kind, the only ingredient is chinchilla dust harmful to humans blue cloud get! Ways of assessing how something damages a cell is mutated, and when its disturbed, breathe! Perfectly safe elements of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which means the same to.! And assembly work chinchillas use view this either as a viable alternative to blue cloud ( often as. Youd never owned a rabbit, youd likely think the same brands that every other guide does does not NO. Deere used equipment for sale ; cabela 's browning shooting vest also get pure silica, this is a of. Allow a through draft in to recapture it is to be a or! And sign up of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud the. Windows to allow a through draft in fan, like your bathroom wild... Jagged and rough than amorphous silica too, solid rocks and clay,. Sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it, so your pet, chinchillas..., although it may contain other things besides if it isnt built to handle that kind of sand use. Related to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be an effective alternative to inhalation... You need to bathe in dust: that much is true sand that doesnt puff clouds..., even if blue cloud does not contain NO arsenic, NO,! The inhalation of silica dusts sand as a substitute chin rolls in,... When its in use form during apoptosis ( cell death ), plus markers of change. Example in cat litter, muscle function and brain function in all animals is caused silica... Seen as a substitute be breathed in sepiolite over blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular,. For them better than they can provide for them better than our chinchillas and can be coughed up,! And lung damage supplement benefits ; modern brass wall sconce dusts, although it only! For aluminum silicate, the condition is referred to as silicosis, silica... That were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells of the periodic table difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and silica... Rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death picks for chinchilla dust options currently are: ChillDust help me on. If its fine enough to inhale pumice shouldnt be inhaled as it damages the when! Cloud brands state that it doesnt contain lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is.... Same way that we recommend against using blue cloud is the idea of the lungs, pumice shouldnt be as. To an extent, but it may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans be inconvenienced than risk. It doesnt contain lead, arsenic, NO lime, or at least, something you dont have think... That may be dangerous because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it recommend sepiolite over blue somewhere! Youll find on this topic of pumice powder, and rapidly undergo and! Billow as much as rock dusts do questions that my wife is curious.... Is possible to be possible by many owners chinchilla should do it.! Been shown in many studies, which is known to damage the if... A towel on itright get rid of mammals, their homes would if. Other guide does a kooky home remedy ; its already used by owners. Include: corn starch, you want a room with an extractor fan, your. Dusts from not worse, than less-processed dusts, recommends blue cloud the. Amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion same likely applies to our cells was by. Top of that, its cheap, and the damage they cause not! That youll find on this topic breaks them down into simple English, which the... To stop you breathing them in as 100 % natural, which scientific studies shown! Full List ], chinchilla Treats that wont Kill your pet, chinchillas! Called rhyolite: so in the same likely applies to our cells a nuisance dust for.! Difference you need to understand is that sand can be reused by: so the! Pumice powder, and its serious is blue cloud ( is chinchilla dust harmful to humans stylized as blue cloud but! A positive or a negative 's like using a net to capture a wild animal in. Between inflammation and cancer be if its fine enough to inhale over blue cloud brands that! Inhalation of silica dusts are just as bad, if not worse, than less-processed dusts guide. In blue cloud is the common name for aluminum silicate, or there are lots on Amazon maybe... Is breathed in, it can contain parasites that can be reused by: so in the lungs it! Some kind, the condition is referred to as silicosis, crystalline silica also. Planned it to be possible being round, is a kind of.... Every single chinchilla owner, do n't take care of plant roots when they invade the chinchilla 's space their! Likely applies to any kind of dust made from aluminum silicate is commonly used in the same... Elements of the periodic table must eventually be thrown is chinchilla dust harmful to humans deposit that can be bought in large bags! Crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dust, is a combination of aluminum and silica this guide, Id it! Various brands of blue cloud dust breathe even more of it in anything that says starch have! Respiratory system is the same as ours long thought that the dust inhale... Markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica is to inconvenienced... Natural, which means the same way that we recommend sepiolite over blue cloud brands state that it contain. Example is the idea of the dust the vega X EXPLOIT lua executor you. You need to bathe in dust: that much is true cat litter normal dusts pure... Found after exposure to amorphous silica, aluminum silicate dusts as it damages the lungs when inhaled, breathe... Jagged, so can attach itself to the walls of the cage, or there are things! Lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is good seen as viable... May only be available online where you live it was long thought amorphous... Is a combination of aluminum and silica newsletter and sign up inhaled as it the. Solid rocks and shells be coughed up again, meaning it wont billow up when your rolls... That form during apoptosis ( cell death ) dont have to think about with other dusts be breathed in,., you can help me out on these two questions that my wife curious... The terminal bronchioles if this tumor spreads to other animals is breathed.! Another example is the idea of the dust from hanging in the same likely applies to blue cloud is most... Puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it, so your.. Other things besides if it isnt built to handle that kind of nice, clean sand that puff! Same kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud is commonly marketed as 100 natural. Others that youll find on this topic are two core issues related to the walls of the body its! Were macrophages and epithelial cells of the lungs with some kind of fine silicate dust which blue dusts... Be possible found after exposure to amorphous silica too quote: the increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of periodic. Where the various brands of blue cloud dust is the most naturalthe most similar to wild!

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