Cat Litter Dust Dangerous

Silica cat litter concerns silica dust contains silica particles and is a known human carcinogen according to the international agency on cancer.

Cat litter dust dangerous.

Cat litter dust is caused when cat litter is being transported. Clay based cat litters contain crystalline silica the main component in sand rock and mineral ores. These convenient mats also trap loose litter leaving a cleaner area. Yes you read that right.

Given the fact that the number of pet cats in the united states is upwards of 90 million if litter dust were harmful you would think that vets would have been seeing more sick cats with illness attributable to the dust and that the litter issue would have been scientifically investigated. A dirty cat litter box can pose a significant threat to your cat s and family s health. People who work with the substance commercially know the precautions that need to be taken. The dangers of cat litter dust.

The kind of dust produced by clumping clay cat litter is particularly dangerous as it usually contains crystalline silica which is known to cause respiratory problems and to be a human lung carcinogen. It is also safe enough to state that if they can coat a cat s lungs then there is a chance that it can have the same effect on a human s lungs. Toxoplasmosis gondii can also get into your body if you unintentionally get the contaminated fecal matter into your digestive system. There is a widely held belief among cat owners that this dust is actually quite harmful and could cause health complications including lung disease or even cancer.

When cat litter is in transit the particles rub together and it is this friction that causes dust to be created. One way to help with a dirty box affecting your cat is to use a cat litter mat that helps remove bits of litter stuck to your cat s paws. Dust may or may not be visible but either way if you inhale contaminated kitty litter dust the parasites can get into your system. A possible health threat from clay based litters is posed by silica dust which can be kicked.

There is some evidence that inhaling dust from the litter can coat the lungs of your cat which in turn can lead to respiratory problems.