I would say try a hardware store, or there are lots on Amazon (maybe more expensive). Plus, the dust will settle on every surface in the room. Aragonite sand would be my second because of terrain location considerations (i.e., chinchillas dwell in the mountains; aragonite sand comes from the ocean seabed). I look forward to new issues! 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. Can being exposed to the chinchilla dust bath be harmful to Aluminum silicate is commonly used as a dry and absorbent material, for example in cat litter. Air purifiers are like fans with filters attached. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. It can therefore result in the same sudden flare-ups as crystalline silica, but without the same long-term effects. Youre therefore constantly breathing it in if you use it. If you have other pets, it is important to Aluminum silicate and similar dusts are linked to serious lung damage. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. Great site! What happens is that when the tiny particles are inhaled, they cause inflammation. So play sand wont work as well as blue cloud, but it also wont damage anybodys lungs. If you do plan on using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. Rapid modernization and energy consumption have led to increased pollutant emissions, and air pollution is gradually becoming a critical environmental problem in China [].Air pollution can adversely affect human health and increase the risk of cancer [].PM 2.5, an important air pollutant, was recognized as a class I carcinogen by the International However, silicon-based dusts are known to be dangerous to inhale. Lovely. Whats interesting is that amorphous silica seems to cause more damage visible during TUNEL staining than crystalline silica! At the same time, they will prevent the dust from entering your lungs. 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. It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. WebNo. White teeth indicate that it isn't getting enough, while black teeth would be the result of rotting. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). In contrast, only a small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica. Ive been doing some more reading on this topic and was reading some people expressed concern that starchesbecause they are so finecould be easily breathed in by the chinchillas and cause respiratory issues. We pampered our chinnies just like you! The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. Sweet PDZ in powder form. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. How could so many people be wrong? Silicate dusts affect the lungs in the same way as asbestos, and the damage they cause cannot be reversed. Is chinchilla dust harmful to humans? It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. We feed our pets hay because: The upshot of all this is that chinchillas live longer on an unnatural diet than they do on what they eat in the wild. WebIs Chinchilla Dust Harmful to Humans? If an infection develops because of this, it can cause serious complications. These cant absorb dust, but they can pick up small amounts on their surface. At the same time, they will prevent the dust from entering your lungs. Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. 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. VEGA X EXPLOIT FEATURES To use the Vega X Exploit lua executor, you may need to disable your anti-virus. Cellulose has a great burn rate and although its dusty when being installed, it is completely safe. This dust isnt like regular dust; it doesnt break down. This will largely reduce the amount that you and your chinchilla breathe in. Web : buerkle honda service coupons what to wear to cover shoulders at wedding - - - It will then stay there until its dusted away, and when its disturbed, youll breathe even more of it in. Marketing for blue cloud brands state that it doesnt contain lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is good. This not only cleans their coats, but it protects them by eliminating extra oils and moisture. WebA bite from a chinchilla can hurt, but a) its incredibly rare for a happy to chinchilla bite, and b) even if your chinchilla does bite you, that bite wont be dangerous, just painful. Thats because whatever safety precaution you take, your chinchilla would still breathe in the dust. 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. So play sand wont work as well as blue cloud, but it also wont damage anybodys lungs. Other advantages include: Corn starch isnt a kooky home remedy; its already used by many owners. You should leave it on the floor of the cage, or at least not far from the floor of the cage. The list below breaks them down into simple English, which scientific studies often dont! 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. Hi, my name is Jamie. Put simply, crystalline minerals form in a different way to amorphous ones. This would explain why crystalline silica can cause cancer so easily: its causes both direct damage to DNA and long-term inflammation. They cost hundreds of dollars. Posted on September 29, 2022 by acrylic ice bucket with stand But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. As mentioned above, the jagged and sharp nature of crystalline silica allows it to catch and stick onto the walls of the lungs. Theres a reason for that. Malocclusion requires a vet's assistance. Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. Blue cloud gets its very name from the fact that it billows up in tiny clouds when your chinchilla rolls around in it. The likely reason that amorphous silica isnt shown to cause cancer is that it doesnt remain in the body as crystalline silica does. This is a kind of sand sold by pet stores for reptiles to bathe in. In plain English, this means that both amorphous silica and crystalline silica cause the same problems, even if they cause those problems in a different way that we dont quite understand. This quiz features questions on every topic of chinchilla care, from behavior to nutrition. We also dont know exactly where the various brands of blue cloud dust get their dusts from. What Chinchilla DUST is SAFE? 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! and the borates that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans. Several things happen when you inhale blue cloud dust. 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. All you have to do is wear one when your chinchilla is bathing, and you wont breathe in any of the dust. This powder, whatever it is, scratches and scars the lungs. Its a fine, dry powder. Marketing for blue cloud brands state that it doesnt contain lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is good. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. We do have a newsletter, and there should be a form you can find at the top of this page. 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. WebIt may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. There are two core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts. But that doesnt mean its 100% safe. Thank you for your reply! If you do want to use an air purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust. As chinchillas are mammals, their respiratory system is the same as ours. We compared the uptake and toxicity of amorphous silica to crystalline silica. They state that: Animal inhalation studies with intentionally manufactured synthetic amorphous silica showed at least partially reversible inflammation, granuloma formation and emphysema, but no progressive fibrosis of the lungs [Ed: which is the core issue that silica dusts cause]. They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. Its just as bad to breathe this dust in as it is to breathe in as your chinchilla is bathing; repeated, frequent or constant exposure is what you have to avoid. These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. We would recommend sepiolite, corn starch or sand instead. Apple wood sticks are one of the best chew toys. There will always be owners who swear by it and have never reported a problem, so will continue using it. You can spot this irritation if your chinchillas eyes are red and watering. Another option to consider, perhaps. Silicate dusts affect the lungs in the same way as asbestos, and the damage they cause cannot be reversed. When a chinchilla rolls around in it, the dust billows up into the air. Im really glad you like our site! ChillDust settles faster than other chinchilla-marketed dusts and is only classified as a nuisance dust by OSHA. ChillDusts manufacturer, Hess Pumice, has a plethora of helpful product information available on their website, including human safety analysis information. 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. You can use them to get your chinchilla close to you for the first time, or to sit on your hand for the first time. 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. The major drawback with real air purifiers is that theyre expensive. 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. Kaytee, a popular brand among chinchilla owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins. As such, the only guaranteed-safe options that we can recommend are corn starch or sand. We know, or knew, what was dug up from the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Mine. It was long thought that amorphous silica cant be dangerous because of its shape. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. If this tumor spreads to other parts of the body, its classified as cancer. 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. 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. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. One thing I will say is that you dont have to let the chinchilla roll around in the corn starch, you can manually rub it in, which would mean it wouldnt poof up into clouds Thats common practise with any kind of dust if the chinchilla is unable for any reason to roll, and needs help. 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. We know, or knew, what was dug up from the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Mine. This will largely reduce the amount that you and your chinchilla breathe in. But amorphous silica, being round, is more easily gotten rid of. Chinchillas bathe in dust. Its just as bad to breathe this dust in as it is to breathe in as your chinchilla is bathing; repeated, frequent or constant exposure is what you have to avoid. Practically every owner recommends blue cloud dust, but we believe that blue cloud is dangerous for you and your pet if it isnt used properly. If you do plan on doing this, dont use a surgical mask or a cheap face mask. Do Chinchillas Need Bedding in Their Cages? The problem isnt the aluminum or the silica; rather, its the inhalation of any fine powder that cant be broken down inside the body. Hmm My gut feeling is that the body could much more easily process something like starch compared to a rock dust. 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. What color should a chinchilla's teeth be? Tidy up before your chinchilla bathes so that there are fewer things in your room for the dust to get on/in. I did also look at and considered using the following: other chinchilla-marketed dusts (ruled out for human safety concerns) starches, including corn, arrowroot, etc. Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. But crucially, as they dont contain silica, they wont cause silicosis. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. But your chinchillas appearance will be changed and it will spread the corn starch around its cage. If none of your rooms has an extractor fan, pick a room that has large windows. This rhyolite is then processed to get rid of anything that isnt aluminum silicate. Hi all, I hope you can help me out on these two questions that my wife is curious about. Can you point me in a direction for a childrens play sand that does not contain crystalline silica? Through industry, weve also created various other kinds of safe dust that dont cause this damage. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. Cigarettes contain harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, acetone, acetaldehyde, and ammonia, which are harmful to the human body. Its repeated exposure like this that the worker in the picture above is wearing a mask to protect against. Vegetables cause the exact same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas (bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc.) It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. It's like using a net to capture a wild animal. If you do plan on doing this, dont use a surgical mask or a cheap face mask. If it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by which you bathe your pet, e.g. Cultured macrophages bind crystalline silica particles, phagocytose them, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death. This page has no products for sale and doesnt recommend the same brands that every other guide does. 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. Ventilation stops the dust from hanging in the air when its in use. As such, while they are popular, we cannot recommend the various brands of blue cloud dust. ChillDust settles faster than other chinchilla-marketed dusts and is only classified as a nuisance dust by OSHA. Would I stick my head in a jar and snort some up? Thank you! If you dont want to use corn starch, you could consider using sand. But you can also get pure silica which has nothing else added to it. I really appreciate your articleit is the only one Ive seen that publishes the information in such a logical, organized way. As such, we recommend offering your chinchilla longer or slightly more frequent dust baths, and keeping on top of cage cleaning to counteract this fact. Your email address will not be published. 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. But you can also get pure silica which has nothing else added to it. But because corn starch doesnt billow as much, theres less to clean. The questions are multiple choice, and each answer is explained. Thanks again, LoveMyChinchilla, for posting this article and prompting my research deep-dive! This applies to any kind of fine silicate dust, be that pure silica, aluminum silicate, or silica mixed with something else. The mechanism by which particles are bound and internalized and the reason particles are toxic is unclear. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. This means the body cant get rid of the dust specks easily. Sweet PDZ is a non-toxic refresher that helps This material is more commonly used in the U.K. than the U.S. Thats because we believe that chinchilla dusts may be dangerous to use. Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. Its also a dust that is marketed for chinchilla use and is used extensively in the chinchilla breeding/owning community, with a history of success and chinchilla safety. Sweet PDZ in powder form. 1. Are Chinchillas Dangerous? Then afterwards, sweep or vacuum to get rid of as much dust as possible. 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. 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. The most common is silica, also known as crystalline silica, pure silica or silicon dioxide. These safety guidelines arent ridiculous and excessivetheyre very basic and wont cost you a ton of money. The key advantage of using sand is that it isnt dangerous. It kills thousands of people a year, mostly tradesmen who are frequently exposed to silica and silicon-based dusts; it can kill either through direct damage to the lungs, or through facilitating lung cancer. Respirators are masks that have filters in them. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. Webcrocs kadee flat size 9 / essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to humans. But wild chinchillas dont eat hay; they eat living plants and grasses. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. 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. This should be worrying for a chinchilla owner, especially if you frequently give your pets dust baths. How could blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular? 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. Why take risk to use unknown dust that may cause health hazard to yourself and your chins. For years people have thought that rabbits should eat carrots, lettuce and various other fresh veggies. Read the research below, especially the scientific papers linking amorphous silicate dust to serious health issues, and come to your own conclusion. If you dont want to use corn starch, you could consider using sand. Besides this, there seems to be a link between inflammation and cancer. Then afterwards, sweep or vacuum to get rid of as much dust as possible. So appreciate knowing Im not alone in my concerns and my journey to find better health options for our entire family! These little animals are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. 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. If this tumor spreads to other parts of the body, its classified as cancer. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. Practically every single chinchilla owner, even experienced owners and breeders, recommends blue cloud dust. ChillDusts manufacturer, Hess Pumice, has a plethora of helpful product information available on their website, including human safety analysis information. switching from evenings to mornings. Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. One of the ways you might think to recapture it is to throw a towel on itright? LoveMyChinchilla is reader-supported. 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. If you do want to use an air purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust. Fruits are typically high in sucrose, which causes bloating in chinchillas. How Does the Body Process Amorphous vs. Crystalline Silica. I would say give it a go, and if it works for you the same as or better than corn starch, go for it. 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. Quote: Inhalation of crystalline silica is known to cause an inflammatory reaction and chronic exposure leads to lung fibrosis and can progress into the disease, silicosis. Sweet PDZ is usually used in horse stalls to eliminate and reduce odors. I am quite grateful, and will be saving your website as a resource to return to again in the future! And general silicosis has been demonstrated in other rodents, too. Check out our Chinchilla Care 101 eBook, or get what you need from our online store! The link between crystalline minerals and lung disease has long been clear. We recommend childrens play sand, as this sand is: Even generic play sand is typically fine. This is a problem because mines have to publish data on the what they dig up, what it is, and its mineral content. Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. Cancer begins when DNA in a cell is mutated, and spreads to form a tumor. But if you absolutely must use blue cloud dust, an air purifier would be an effective defense. But there is possibly a link there. Blue cloud is commonly marketed as 100% natural, which is true. Once your chinchilla is done bathing, you must do what you can to stop the dust settling. While we dont recommend it, we do recognize that blue cloud dust is easily the most popular among chinchilla owners.
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