Thanks again, LoveMyChinchilla, for posting this article and prompting my research deep-dive! WebIt may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. But if youve owned chinchillas for years, and always bathed them in blue cloud, theres a real possibility that the dust could have damaged your lungs. As chinchillas are mammals, their respiratory system is the same as ours. This means the body cant get rid of the dust specks easily. I dont think Ive read of arrowroot being used before, but since its so similar to corn starch, I would guess that it would be roughly as good! All of the most popular brands of chinchilla dust are blue cloud, or at least have blue cloud among their range. Sepiolite dust. This is more common in the U.K. than the U.S., and is made from a mineral called meerschaum. 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. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. 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. The link between amorphous aluminum silicate (blue cloud) and cancer is less clear. Is dust bath safe? Treats are a good way of telling a new chinchilla that you're friendly. Here are the most common types used: The finer the dust, the better it cleans. Theres a reason for that. This is a reasonable question. 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). Sand doesnt work like that; its made of tiny, solid rocks and shells. 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. 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. Further study is needed to claim that its perfectly safe. 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. These little animals are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. But even so, we dont recommend using blue cloud. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. Blue cloud dust is made from something called rhyolite. Corn starch (or corn flour in the U.K.) makes a reasonable alternative to rock-based dusts. It could therefore damage the purifier if it isnt built to handle that kind of dust. Lovely. This is, at least, something you dont have to think about with other dusts. Cancer is primarily associated with crystalline silica, and no studies have, as of yet, proven a definitive link between amorphous silica and cancer. Cultured macrophages bind crystalline silica particles, phagocytose them, and rapidly undergo apoptotic and necrotic death. It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. The dust bath routine is not only a self-cleaning behavior, they also love it. 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. I have read in several groups/forums that several owners/breeders use/recommend this power as an alternative dust for those with allergies. There are lots of different kinds of silicon-based dusts that are known to cause problems in the lungs. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. Alternatively, get somebody to help. Youre therefore constantly breathing it in if you use it. What has likely also played a part is the idea that you can be allergic to dust, which is true; but a dust allergy is an allergy to dander, not to mineral dust. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. These are the kinds that builders wear (and the people that package blue cloud dust). These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. The list below breaks them down into simple English, which scientific studies often dont! It will cause breathing difficulties and coughing. These little animals are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. But if you absolutely must use blue cloud dust, an air purifier would be an effective defense. 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. Thats especially true if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking, or are otherwise unhealthy. Because of how fine it is, it perfectly mimicks the volcanic ash that wild chinchillas roll around in, and its the best at absorbing moisture and oil in your pets fur. I really appreciate your articleit is the only one Ive seen that publishes the information in such a logical, organized way. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. But with so many chinchilla owners reporting sensitivity or allergy to silicate blue cloud dust, that points to physical damage being the cause, not allergic reaction. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. Kaytee, a popular brand among chinchilla owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins. Other advantages include: Corn starch isnt a kooky home remedy; its already used by many owners. These safety guidelines arent ridiculous and excessivetheyre very basic and wont cost you a ton of money. Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. 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. 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. Not all kinds of sand are created equal. 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. They can still damage the lungs if inhaled frequently, but this is less likely. Hi all, I hope you can help me out on these two questions that my wife is curious about. This is a kind of dust made from aluminum silicate. Silicosis is where the lungs are so damaged that these symptoms persist continually, even in the absence of dust. This dust isnt like regular dust; it doesnt break down. To understand why, we can draw a parallel to how other pets are cared for. Thank you! But that mine has since closed. I will look for your newsletter and sign up. Breeders use it to bathe their chinchillas before shows. New owner, don't know where to start? If you do plan on doing this, dont use a surgical mask or a cheap face mask. Chinchillas. 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. We will be avoiding blue cloud dust going forward. Thats especially true if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking, or are otherwise unhealthy. While we dont recommend it, we do recognize that blue cloud dust is easily the most popular among chinchilla owners. Natural doesnt necessarily mean good. 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. Put simply, crystalline minerals form in a different way to amorphous ones. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. These cant absorb dust, but they can pick up small amounts on their surface. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. What Kind of Sand Should You Use in a Chinchilla Dust Bath? Required fields are marked *. Again, we have to reiterate that no kind of sand is as effective at cleaning a chinchillas fur as dust. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. 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. However, silicon-based dusts are known to be dangerous to inhale. Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. Further study is needed to claim that its perfectly safe. 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. The mechanism by which particles are bound and internalized and the reason particles are toxic is unclear. 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. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. Damaging the DNA in cells is how substances cause cancer. Thats because we believe that chinchilla dusts may be dangerous to use. Its a kind of magnesium deposit that can be broken down into a fine dust. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. Chinchilla poop is not dangerous to humans. The lungs then have reduced capacity and can even get infected. Aluminum silicate, the only ingredient in blue cloud dust, is a combination of aluminum and 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]. How Many Jobs Are Available in Computer Software Prepackaged Software? Silicosis is where the lungs are so damaged that these symptoms persist continually, even in the absence of dust. 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. Just had another thought: I wonder if organic, lead-free bentonite clay would be a safer option, and possibly just as effective as blue cloud? As mentioned above, the jagged and sharp nature of crystalline silica allows it to catch and stick onto the walls of the lungs. Another advantage is that corn starch doesnt billow as much as rock dusts do. Blue cloud dust is the common name for aluminum silicate dust which is known to damage This will largely reduce the amount that you and your chinchilla breathe in. Read the research below, especially the scientific papers linking amorphous silicate dust to serious health issues, and come to your own conclusion. The link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. Silicon is one of the elements of the periodic table. This causes silicosis. Why take risk to use unknown dust that may cause health hazard to yourself and your chins. To understand why, we can draw a parallel to how other pets are cared for. This effect was shown by scientists working with mouse cells, which means the same likely applies to our cells. It's like using a net to capture a wild animal. As such, the only guaranteed-safe options that we can recommend are corn starch or sand. 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. 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. 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. And instead of fifteen minute baths, consider half an hour. It also doesnt necessarily mean healthy. Sepiolite seems safer than silicate dusts. But experienced owners call these death balls because: Here, experienced owners can see that just because something is popular, and just because a popular brand manufactures and sells something, that doesnt mean its suitable for chinchillas/chinchilla owners. 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. Are chinchillas the best pets in the world? If none of your rooms has an extractor fan, pick a room that has large windows. Chinchillas bathe in dust. You can spot this irritation if your chinchillas eyes are red and watering. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. . WebIs Chinchilla dust harmful to humans? You could try offering longer or more frequent baths to combat this issue. At the same time, they will prevent the dust from entering your lungs. Alternatively, you could use reptile sand. No probably not, but it isnt a toxic If none of your rooms has an extractor fan, pick a room that has large windows. Some are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains. catanzaro solid wood platform bed; best silicone baby bottles; garnier skinactive facial mist Chinchillas like to chew power cables. About 80,000 This causes silicosis. Other studies arent as clear. However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. That doesnt happen with sand. WebNo. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. Many common chinchilla dust brands are made of pumice powder, and its seen as a viable alternative to blue cloud. The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. Its now thought that the dust which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially.

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