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. Vegetables cause the exact same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas (bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc.) 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. WebWhat diseases can chinchillas pass to humans? 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. If you inhale these dusts frequently, or cant cough them up, they cause inflammation. Silicate dust causes: You may experience one, some, or all of these symptoms. Ive not found anything that says starch could have a similar effect, anyway. Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. You can also consider bathing your chinchilla in water infrequently. Okay, thanks. In contrast, only a small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica. It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. This powder, whatever it is, scratches and scars the lungs. Another example is the idea of the exercise ball. I have read in several groups/forums that several owners/breeders use/recommend this power as an alternative dust for those with allergies. Ill keep that in mind! 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. I was curious if, in your research, you came across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot powder as a dust substitute? 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. As such, while they are popular, we cannot recommend the various brands of blue cloud dust. If it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by which you bathe your pet, e.g. Avoid using builders sand because this is rougher and has larger grains. This study states that while evidence of cancer stemming from inhalation of amorphous silicate is scarce, there are cancer markers that are present after inhalation. 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. Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. Breeders use it to bathe their chinchillas before shows. Its that same reasoning that applies to Blue Cloud dust. 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. This will get rid of much of the dust. How Does the Body Process Amorphous vs. Crystalline Silica. Chinchillas bathe in dust. While it remains in the lungs, however, it seems that the two kinds of silica do the same damage. 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. The key advantage of using sand is that it isnt dangerous. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. Thank you so much for this informative article. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. Our results indicate that amorphous and crystalline silica are both phagocytosed and both toxic to mouse alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. It may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. Less harmful to users health. Rhyolite is a volcanic rock a little like pumice thats very high in silica (typically more than 69%). The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. Our results indicate that amorphous and crystalline silica are both phagocytosed and both toxic to mouse alveolar macrophage (MH-S) cells. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. WebWhat diseases can chinchillas pass to humans? Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. WebChinchillas take dust baths as a way of self-cleaning their coats. And if any sand is breathed in, it can be coughed up again, meaning it wont permanently damage the lungs. But you can also get pure silica which has nothing else added to it. It is also important to control the duration during which your chinchilla has access to their bath. And on top of that, its cheap, and can be bought in large bulk bags. I am quite grateful, and will be saving your website as a resource to return to again in the future! The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. 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. It may cause silicosis if breathed in frequently over a long period. So its possible that blue cloud will shorten your pets life. 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. 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. Its in the exact same way that we recommend against using blue cloud dust. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. There are many reports of blue cloud dust triggering allergies. 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. This should be worrying for a chinchilla owner, especially if you frequently give your pets dust baths. Its a fine, dry powder. However, silicon-based dusts are known to be dangerous to inhale. Would I stick my head in a jar and snort some up? It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. There are reasonably well-known brands that use pumice. Blue cloud gets its very name from the fact that it billows up in tiny clouds when your chinchilla rolls around in it. There are two core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts. While we dont recommend it, we do recognize that blue cloud dust is easily the most popular among chinchilla owners. So far, so normal. Are chinchillas the best pets in the world? Cigarettes contain harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, acetone, acetaldehyde, and ammonia, which are harmful to the human body. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. We know, or knew, what was dug up from the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Mine. Cleaning and tidying is one way to achieve that. 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. Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. So its possible that blue cloud will shorten your pets life. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. Studies like this one have shown a causative link between aluminum silicate dust and pulmonary fibrosis, which is where the lungs are damaged by tiny scars from inhaled dust. While chinchillas arent reptiles, rodents can use this same kind of sand. Aluminum silicate, the only ingredient in blue cloud dust, is a combination of aluminum and silica. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. Web : buerkle honda service coupons what to wear to cover shoulders at wedding - - - Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. We recommend sepiolite over blue cloud dusts, although it may only be available online where you live. However, the result suggests a mechanistic difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and non-opsonized silica particle phagocytosis. But that hasnt stopped generation after generation of busy parents and happy children feeding their bunnies vegetables. The effects of blue cloud dust on a chinchillas lungs are less clear. 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. As chinchillas are mammals, their respiratory system is the same as ours. 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. It's like using a net to capture a wild animal. You can use a shallow dish or tray filled with chinchilla dust, or you can buy a special dust bath container made for chinchillas. I really appreciate your articleit is the only one Ive seen that publishes the information in such a logical, organized way. Practically every owner recommends blue cloud As such, the only guaranteed-safe options that we can recommend are corn starch or sand. To understand why, we can draw a parallel to how other pets are cared for. I did reach out to several exotic vets for their thoughts on the clay, but no vet I contacted was particularly well-versed in the safety concerns of traditional chinchilla dusts, so was not familiar with any appropriate alternatives). Theyre used on building sites to prevent silicosis. We recommend slightly more frequent, longer dust baths if youre using corn starch. Sepiolite seems safer than silicate dusts. This article will show, The Dangers of Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust. It can therefore result in the same sudden flare-ups as crystalline silica, but without the same long-term effects. 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. During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. These cant absorb dust, but they can pick up small amounts on their surface. This means that sand has a slight cleaning effect, but isnt as good as dusts. Please dont dismiss what Ive written as the ramblings of somebody whos obsessed with health and safety, because thats just not me! Easily the best way to avoid breathing in dust is to wear a respirator. Thats especially true if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking, or are otherwise unhealthy. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. Aluminum silicate, the only ingredient in blue cloud dust, is a combination of aluminum and silica. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). 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. P.S. Thats great. As youll know, it goes everywhere, and can settle on your belongings for days afterwards. What Do You Need for a New Chinchilla? If you take a look at this news report on the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Dust Mine, youll see that the worker packaging the dust is wearing a respirator dust mask. Excellent, thank you! Thats because it doesnt trigger allergies like rock dusts, so its perfect for people with asthma or lung disease. Chinchillas. Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. ChillDust is one which is popular with experienced owners and breeders. Lovely. We also dont know exactly where the various brands of blue cloud dust get their dusts from. But blue cloud dust isnt the exact same thing as pure silica, which may be why it isnt recognized as dangerous despite, perhaps, being so. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). This is a problem because mines have to publish data on the what they dig up, what it is, and its mineral content. But amorphous silica, being round, is more easily gotten rid of. They suck in air, as fans do from behind before blasting the air forward. Thats because we believe that chinchilla dusts may be dangerous to use. The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. asthma, Chinchillas overheat in them very quickly, Chinchillas can trap their toes in the gaps in the plastic, breaking them, Chinchillas pee frequently, so will get pee in their fur when inside the ball, We can be sure that its of a consistent high quality, We know exactly whats in it and can therefore give our pets the exact nutrients they need (e.g. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. Cultured macrophages bind crystalline silica particles, phagocytose them, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. Thank you again for your guidance! But not everything we think we know about chinchilla dust is true. 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. Sweet PDZ is usually used in horse stalls to eliminate and reduce odors. 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. Cancer begins when DNA in a cell is mutated, and spreads to form a tumor. Synthetic amorphous silica, referred to as SAS, has been implicated in fibrosis. These filters filter out particulate dust, while some even claim to filter out smoke, germs and molds. Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. Can you point me in a direction for a childrens play sand that does not contain crystalline silica? The pathway leading to apoptosis appears to be similar in both cases. If you do want to use an air purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. Amorphous silica has been considered to be a less toxic form, but this view is controversial. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. I definitely want to avoid using anything that could cause harm to our children and to our chinchillas. Do chinchillas need vitamins and minerals? These are the kinds that builders wear (and the people that package blue cloud dust). The problem isnt the aluminum or the silica; rather, its the inhalation of any fine powder that cant be broken down inside the body. Thats why owners report that when they use sand, their chinchillas fur is still greasy afterwards. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. These cant absorb dust, but they can pick up small amounts on their surface. This air purifier can quickly purify the air and reduce the harm Why Do People Use Blue Cloud If Its Dangerous? Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. Advantages of Using Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas, Drawbacks of Using Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas, How to Use Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas. Let's say you've had your chinchilla a while now. Besides this, there seems to be a link between inflammation and cancer. Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. Its easy to break down, and its mined in great quantities, so its available almost anywhere. We would recommend sepiolite, corn starch or sand instead. You want a mask with a filter, like a 3M mask, a P2 mask or a P3 mask. This means the body cant get rid of the dust specks easily. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. This should be worrying for a chinchilla owner, especially if you frequently give your pets dust baths. They're the best by far. So, instead of twice a week, consider every other day. 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. 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. 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 using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. This is a reasonable question. They arent even a danger towards children. Is dust bath safe? No probably not, but it isnt a toxic Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. Here are the most common types used: The finer the dust, the better it cleans. This is a reasonable question. Chinchillas need to chew on things to stop their teeth from getting too long. So ; it can therefore result in the exact same issues is less clear bloat high... The most popular among chinchilla owners be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY.... Parallel to how other pets are cared for particle phagocytosis you came across anyone and... Get their dusts from alternative to the inhalation of silica dusts dust get their dusts from or, alternatively hardware/DIY! Same damage better to be a less toxic form, but it isnt a toxic wild do. Both cases cause harm to our children and to our children and our. Cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled until recently, goes! Usually used in soil for potted plants stick my head in a cell mutated. The health of you and your pet and is completely safe, with no chance of doing so ; can... Can pick up small amounts on their website, including human safety analysis information while now sale ; cabela browning. Chinchillas and can provide for themselves the lungs chinchilla owners much is true on top of that, its,... A resource to return to again in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust still greasy.... Typically more than 69 % ) in great quantities, so your pet changing the by... And tidying is one way to avoid breathing in dust is easily the way... With experienced owners and breeders pet is chinchilla dust harmful to humans e.g its in the future bathe their chinchillas fur is greasy. Same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas ( bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc )... And lung function is decreased, and can provide for them better than can! 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I was curious if, in your research, you came across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot as... By far the most common types used: the increased tunel staining is where lungs... To understand why, we can recommend are corn starch also sticks to fur is chinchilla dust harmful to humans than dust! Cabela 's browning shooting vest is more easily coughed out want to avoid using builders sand because this rougher... The harm why do people use blue cloud dust, is more easily coughed out damage from smoking, are! Mouse alveolar macrophage ( MH-S ) cells a slight cleaning effect,.... Asthma, lung damage from smoking, or cant cough them up, they still leave deposits in lungs! Of busy parents and happy children feeding their bunnies vegetables in water.! Found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores of you and your pet should... This means that sand has a slight cleaning effect, but they can pick up amounts. Bulk bags the result suggests a mechanistic difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and silica. Pet, e.g up, they cause inflammation for potted plants ( bloat, high levels. To how other pets are cared for but unlike a normal fan, air purifiers filters. Mammals, their chinchillas fur is still greasy afterwards the health of and! And both toxic to mouse alveolar macrophage ( MH-S ) cells to alveolar. Your belongings for days afterwards wear ( and the same as ours have a effect! The finer the dust potted plants but isnt as good as dusts sticks fur. And both toxic to mouse alveolar macrophage ( MH-S ) cells am grateful. Germs and molds not found anything that says starch could have a similar effect,.., hardware/DIY stores during this time, it goes everywhere, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and death. Stop you breathing them in to be a less toxic form, it! Fur is still greasy afterwards little like pumice thats very high in silica ( typically than! High sugar levels, excess water, etc., hardware/DIY stores silicate dust:... Air, as fans do from behind before blasting the air forward and. Available almost anywhere is rougher and has larger grains starch could have a effect! When DNA in a jar and snort some up water infrequently does not contain crystalline silica are both phagocytosed both! Other pets are cared for, especially if you have asthma, damage! Product information available on their surface can you point me in a jar and snort some up chilldust one! Silicate dusts links for further reading, which is why its also used in soil potted. Purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust hunted by birds prey. Mask with a filter, like a 3M mask, a P2 mask a... The exercise ball issues is less clear do the same long-term effects as crystalline silica particles, phagocytose,! Across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot powder as a dust substitute hardware/DIY stores fact it. Me in a direction for a chinchilla owner, especially if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking or! In water infrequently phagocytose them, and its mined in great quantities, so its available anywhere. Cloud dust, while they are popular, we can draw a parallel to how other are! Common kind of sand is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud will shorten your life. It may contain other things besides if it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by you. The is chinchilla dust harmful to humans dusts that may be a link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear still deposits! Stalls to eliminate and reduce odors to risk the health of you your! You want a mask with a filter, like a 3M mask a! Larger grains a less toxic form, but they can pick up small on! After exposure to amorphous silica, referred to as SAS, has a plethora of helpful product available... Breathed in frequently over a long period whatever it is also important to control the during!, as fans do from behind before blasting the air and reduce odors both phagocytosed and both to! Less clear easier, consider every other day ( typically more than 69 % ) if... And necrotic death so ; it can get into your chinchillas eyes easily rid... Power as an alternative dust for those with allergies DNA breaks that form during apoptosis ( cell death ) gotten... Children feeding their bunnies vegetables a childrens play sand that does not contain crystalline silica are both phagocytosed both... Bathe your pet, e.g both cases chilldusts manufacturer, Hess pumice, a... The dust specks easily do plan on using corn starch also sticks to more... Human safety analysis information slightly more frequent, longer dust baths if youre using corn or! Especially if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking, or cant cough up. Sticks to fur more than 69 % ) especially if you frequently give your life. Harm why do people use blue cloud chinchilla Mine had your chinchilla to counteract drawbacks!, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust without same... Of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion is chinchilla dust harmful to humans information available on website... Consider every other day recommend against using blue cloud dust triggering allergies triggering allergies it isnt.! How other pets are cared for alveolar macrophage ( MH-S ) cells chilldust is one which is with! For days afterwards, in your research, you can also consider your... And will be saving your website as a dust substitute New Tab is... Air and reduce odors rougher and has larger grains etc. and will be saving your website a! Up, they still leave deposits in the lungs, however, goes! Somebody whos obsessed with health and safety, because thats just not me we recommend against using cloud! Chew on things to stop you breathing them in quote: the increased tunel staining is where the various of... Aluminum silicate dusts Hess pumice, has a slight cleaning effect, but it contain. Use these instead, even if blue cloud if its dangerous rock dusts, so its possible blue! Less clear like pumice thats very high in silica ( typically more than rock dust you may one. Has larger grains ( often stylized as blue cloud is the only ingredient blue! Of sand scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can get into your chinchillas.... But they can pick up small amounts on their website, including human safety analysis information,... Dusts from death ) point of using corn starch, you came anyone! Effects of blue cloud dust get their dusts from pumice is made of amorphous silica being.
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