PROTECTING OUR BIRDS FROM TOXIC FUMES

Margaret T. Wright

 

REMEMBER THE CANARIES? They were used by coal miners as "warning signs" for any toxic fumes: if the birds died, the miners knew to vacate the premises immediately. That's because our birds' respiratory systems are more efficient than ours and they are affected by toxins quicker than we are. Due to their small size, high metabolic rate, low body fat AND efficient respiratory system, our birds can die quickly when exposed to airborne toxins. One of the worst dangers is the non-stick ingredient, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which comes under the brand names, TEFLON, SUPRA, SILVERSTONE, and many others. Basically, anything that has a non-stick surface can kill your bird.

When cookware with PTFE (ANY NON-STICK COOKWARE) is over heated, it breaks down and emits several types of organic gases and hydrofluoric acid: the gases and acid attack the air sacs of the birds almost immediately. Also, after "Teflon" or other non-stick surfaces are scratched or tainted in any way, they are susceptible to breakdown of the acid and gases, no matter the temperatures.

As the world becomes more modernized and the push is for more convenience, the grip of "PTFE" on many different products has escalated. Always check with manufacturers to make sure their products are "PTFE free." Be careful and avoid the following types of products that have non-stick coatings:

pots/pans	hair dryers	drip pans
space heaters	heat lamps	broiler pans
irons	stove top burners	griddles
bread makers	coffee makers	waffle makers
electric skillet	woks	crock pots
hot air poppers	lollipop molds	stock pots
roasters	pizza pans	tortilla presses
stove top burners	computer printers	non-stick rolling pans
never-stick stainless steel	ironing board covers	ceramic top cooking stoves
MANY	OTHER	APPLIANCES

 

Maggie Wright is a marketing consultant and the creator/publisher of the African Grey magazine,
The Grey Play Round Table®.