But faithful readers, this is not a funny subject. It isn't even a post about being Frugal. It is a post to warn you of the dangers of cat litter to our environment and your health. Oh, and let's not forget the health of your pet.
The introduction of clumping cat litter seemed like the ultimate solution to the stinky litter box. It works like a champ. A cat owner can do a little scoop every day and have a clean litter box without the tell tale odor permeating the abode. I have been using this clumping litter for quite some time.
I know what you are thinking; why isn't MaryC using the Feline Pine litter that is a much greener choice. Well, only recently did it become available in a clumping version AND MaryC is allergic to pine. Very allergic to pine scent, pine trees, pine pollen and the 'in every gourmet salad on the planet', pine nut. Thus, I stuck to my clumping clay cat litter.
Well, not long ago I was in the store purchasing cat litter. I always buy the unscented litter since cats are finicky about that sort of thing and we just don't upset our little kitty when we can help it. The store did not have any unscented litter so I had to buy the kind with scent. The scented version smells rank if you ask me but apparently some braniac out there thinks this fake floral odor is pleasant.
Well, every time I scooped litter, I would smell that 'pleasant fresh scent' all freaking day. I tried blowing my nose, changing clothes and everything else but nothing could rid me of that smell. I started scooping before I took a shower in the morning so I wouldn't have to smell it all day.
I mentioned this to my RGH one morning and he told me to wear a mask when I scoop. He said this:
"You know that litter is Sodium Bentonite. It can cause a cancer. I work with it. You shouldn't be breathing that stuff."
Well, MaryC was shocked. I started wearing a mask when I scooped litter. I did some research on this and I found documentation on the Internet about the dangers of this ingredient in clumping cat litter. Here is what I found on a product safety data sheet for one of the Bentonite manufacturers:
Inhalation: Breathing prolonged and excessive amounts of Bentonite dust may not cause noticeable injury or illness even though permanent lung damage may be occurring. Inhalation of dust may have the following serious chronic health effects:
Pneumoconiosis: Excessive inhalation of respirable dust may cause pneumonoconiosis, a respiratory disease, which can result in delayed, progressive, disabling and sometimes fatal lung injury. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, non-specific chest illness and reduced pulmonary function. This disease is exacerbated by smoking. Individuals with pneumoconiosis are predisposed to develop tuberculosis.
Cancer Status: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that crystalline silica inhaled in the form of quartz or cristobalite from occupational sources is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1 - carcinogenic to humans). Refer to IARC Monograph 68, Silica, Some Silicates and Organic Fibres (published in June 1997) in conjunction with the use of these materials. The National Toxicology Program classifies respirable crystalline silica as "known to be a human carcinogen". Refer to the 9th Report on Carcinogens (2000). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) classifies crystalline silica, quartz, as a suspected human carcinogen (A2).
Other Data with Possible Relevance to Human Health:
There is some evidence that breathing respirable crystalline silica or the disease silicosis is associated with an increased incidence of significant disease endpoints such as scleroderma (an immune system disorder manifested by fibrosis of the lungs, skin and other internal organs) and kidney disease.
For further information consult "Adverse Effects of Crystalline Silica Exposure" published by the American Thoracic Society Medical Section of the American Lung Association, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Volume 155, pages 761-768, 1997.
So cat litter is dangerous! It is dangerous to inhale the dust to humans. We only encounter if once every day or so. Think about the poor cat!
I have discovered several new brands of clumping litter that are made from ground up corn cobs. I am transitioning to one of these products. Cats are weird about their litter so it's better to start mixing half and half and then gradually eliminate the clay litter so the kitty will get used to it and continue to use the box.
These corn cob litters are more expensive but it's still a frugal option. Think of the money you are saving on Vet and Medical bills in the future.
Protect your lungs by switching to a safer form of litter. In the meantime, wear a mask when you scoop.
Blessings,
Mary
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