Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. 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). 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. Alternatively, you could use reptile sand. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. Thats because whatever safety precaution you take, your chinchilla would still breathe in the dust. 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. 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. Another advantage is that corn starch doesnt billow as much as rock dusts do. 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. Thank you for your guidance on these matters! I will look for your newsletter and sign up. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. It will cause breathing difficulties and coughing. Not being able to properly eat pellets is a sign of malocclusion, which is where the teeth don't meet properly in the middle. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. Chinchillas are already a good example of this. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. Avoid using builders sand because this is rougher and has larger grains. However, silicon-based dusts are known to be dangerous to inhale. Furthermore, sand is less likely to get in your chinchillas eye and cause irritation. Just make sure its not treated with some kind of chemical before using it. Aluminum silicate and similar dusts are linked to serious lung damage. If an infection develops because of this, it can cause serious complications. Its now thought that the dust which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially. For years people have thought that rabbits should eat carrots, lettuce and various other fresh veggies. Its in the exact same way that we recommend against using blue cloud dust. 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. Are Chinchillas Dangerous? 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. So play sand wont work as well as blue cloud, but it also wont damage anybodys lungs. Great site! Oh, good tip on the cornstarch. This is a kind of sand sold by pet stores for reptiles to bathe in. You can spot this irritation if your chinchillas eyes are red and watering. It may cause silicosis if breathed in frequently over a long period. Vitamins and minerals are vital for organ function, muscle function and brain function in all animals. 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. But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. 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 may view this either as a positive or a negative. We know, or knew, what was dug up from the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Mine. Theres a reason for that. Ventilation stops the dust from hanging in the air when its in use. Cellulose has a great burn rate and although its dusty when being installed, it is completely safe. This means the body cant get rid of the dust specks easily. 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. The link between amorphous aluminum silicate (blue cloud) and cancer is less clear. So, thank you for this information! 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. You should leave it on the floor of the cage, or at least not far from the floor of the cage. Tidy up before your chinchilla bathes so that there are fewer things in your room for the dust to get on/in. But if you absolutely must use blue cloud dust, an air purifier would be an effective defense. (I'm the one on the left). Then afterwards, sweep or vacuum to get rid of as much dust as possible. The worst thing you could do is use blue cloud somewhere that isnt ventilated. Not all kinds of sand are created equal. So long as your chinchillas coat seems clean it should be fine! If the study above about amorphous silica is to be believed, then it would have this same effect. If you do plan on using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. 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. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. Kaytee, a popular brand among chinchilla owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins. If you stick to these safety recommendations, you wont breathe in enough dust to make you sick. The increased numbers of cells showing positive TUNEL staining after 90 days of amorphous-silica inhalation suggest significant increase of intracellular damage, which may lead to cell death. The major drawback with real air purifiers is that theyre expensive. How could so many people be wrong? catanzaro solid wood platform bed; best silicone baby bottles; garnier skinactive facial mist While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. Blue cloud gets its very name from the fact that it billows up in tiny clouds when your chinchilla rolls around in it. 1. Like silica, pumice shouldnt be inhaled as it damages the lungs when you breathe it in. 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. Another option to consider, perhaps. Easily the best way to avoid breathing in dust is to wear a respirator. 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. While it remains in the lungs, however, it seems that the two kinds of silica do the same damage. 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. 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. 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. Then, when youre done dusting, open the windows to allow a through draft in. 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. Macrophages are immune system cells that bind to bad things the body wants to get rid of, but when they try to get rid of both kinds of silica, they go through apoptosisa kind of pre-programmed way for the macrophage cells to die. 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 link between amorphous minerals and the same issues is less clear. As such, while they are popular, we cannot recommend the various brands of blue cloud dust. We pampered our chinnies just like you! About 80,000 And general silicosis has been demonstrated in other rodents, too. If anything, its the person thats the danger to the chinchilla. Some are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains. What Do You Need for a New Chinchilla? There are lots of different elements that can be crushed into a powder found in rocks and clay. Webinfo@firstgrade.sch.ng; turing magsafe tripod mount Facebook asics kids contend 6 toddler size Twitter scotty 240 striker rod holder Youtube acrylic card holders wall mounted 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. P.S. Webcrocs kadee flat size 9 / essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to humans. We know better than our chinchillas and can provide for them better than they can provide for themselves. You can use a shallow dish or tray filled with chinchilla dust, or you can buy a special dust bath container made for chinchillas. Chinchillas need to bathe in dust: that much is true. 1) Blue cloud DOES NOT contain NO arsenic, NO lime, or NO free silica. These masks let in air from above and below, so do nothing to combat tiny particles of dust. P.P.S. 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. But that doesnt mean its 100% safe. Cells that were predominantly affected were macrophages and epithelial cells lining the terminal bronchioles. You want a mask with a filter, like a 3M mask, a P2 mask or a P3 mask. This applies to any kind of fine silicate dust, be that pure silica, aluminum silicate, or silica mixed with something else. 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. But its the fineness of this dust thats also its biggest drawback. I write about chinchillas as a full-time jobsomething I never thought I'd do. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. Alternatively, you could use reptile sand. You may view this either as a positive or a negative. During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. Plus silicosis takes years to develop, so even in the absence of current symptoms, your lungs may be being damaged. We recommend sepiolite over blue cloud dusts, although it may only be available online where you live. There are two core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts. Read the research below, especially the scientific papers linking amorphous silicate dust to serious health issues, and come to your own conclusion. 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. We also dont know exactly where the various brands of blue cloud dust get their dusts from. 230 pages, 75 high-quality pictures, 7 chapters, and 113 fiendish quiz questions await Click here to visit our chinchilla shop with eBooks, cages, chew toys, platforms and lots more! 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. However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. Required fields are marked *. 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. We recommend childrens play sand, as this sand is: Even generic play sand is typically fine. WebIs Chinchilla Dust Harmful to Humans? Pretty much all sand is quartz, which is made of silica, but that isnt a problem so long as it doesnt poof up into clouds. Advantages of Using Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas, Drawbacks of Using Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas, How to Use Corn Starch for Bathing Chinchillas. Sand doesnt work like that; its made of tiny, solid rocks and shells. The confusion stems from how similar the effects of this physical damage are to allergies. The key selling point of using corn starch is that it cleans fur in the exact same way as regular chinchilla dust does. 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. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. Corn starch (or corn flour in the U.K.) makes a reasonable alternative to rock-based dusts. 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. The pathway leading to apoptosis appears to be similar in both cases. Its a fine, dry powder. The likely reason that amorphous silica isnt shown to cause cancer is that it doesnt remain in the body as crystalline silica does. Rhyolite is a volcanic rock a little like pumice thats very high in silica (typically more than 69%). Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. LoveMyChinchilla is reader-supported. During this time, it can get into your chinchillas eyes. This book teaches you everything you need to know for your chinchilla to live a long, healthy, happy lifeand for you to build a strong, loving bond with them. Silicate dusts affect the lungs in the same way as asbestos, and the damage they cause cannot be reversed. 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. This will largely reduce the amount that you and your chinchilla breathe in. Hi, my name is Jamie. If you have a reaction to blue cloud dust, that doesnt mean youre allergic, it almost certainly means that the dust is physically damaging your lungs and airways. Sweet PDZ in powder form. They can still damage the lungs if inhaled frequently, but this is less likely. Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. Thats because it doesnt trigger allergies like rock dusts, so its perfect for people with asthma or lung disease. It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. But chinchillas don't need all the ones that we do; they can make their own vitamin C, for example, unlike us. I definitely want to avoid using anything that could cause harm to our children and to our chinchillas. Sweet PDZ is a non-toxic refresher that helps Thats because we believe that chinchilla dusts may be dangerous to use. So its possible that blue cloud will shorten your pets life. 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. Its no more expensive than blue cloud. Blue cloud dust is the common name for aluminum silicate dust which is known to damage the lungs. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. Can you point me in a direction for a childrens play sand that does not contain crystalline silica? Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. Cancer is primarily associated with crystalline silica, and no studies have, as of yet, proven a definitive link between amorphous silica and cancer. This is a reasonable question. It could therefore damage the purifier if it isnt built to handle that kind of dust. Through industry, weve also created various other kinds of safe dust that dont cause this damage. Chinchillas need dust baths to keep their fur clean and healthy. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. Considering that you need to dust your chinchilla Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). Web : buerkle honda service coupons what to wear to cover shoulders at wedding - - - You could even consider dusting if you have a feather duster you can use. So play sand wont work as well as blue cloud, but it also wont damage anybodys lungs. Besides silicosis, crystalline silica is also shown to cause cancer. Im really glad you like our site! They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. This is therefore one of many ways of assessing how something damages a cell. As such, while they are popular, we cannot recommend the various brands of blue cloud dust. And if you take it again, it will come up with new questions each time! Blue cloud dust is the common name for aluminum silicate dust which is known to damage Are chinchillas the best pets in the world? 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. 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. Respirators are masks that have filters in them. 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). 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! Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. We've published an eBook: Chinchilla Care 101. Where should you put your chinchilla's exercise wheel? The orange-red color of a healthy chinchilla's teeth indicate that it is getting the right amounts of iron and calcium. There are many such deposits across the United States, however, so blue cloud dust is still available. This is a kind of dust made from aluminum silicate. This will get rid of much of the dust. 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. As such, the only guaranteed-safe options that we can recommend are corn starch or sand. Lets take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using corn starch, plus how to use it compared to normal dusts. It may cause silicosis if breathed in frequently over a long period. No idea if they were supplementing with blue cloud or cornstarch, so we will see how well it works! The lungs then have reduced capacity and can even get infected. 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? This causes silicosis. Aluminum silicate and similar dusts are linked to serious lung damage. But that hasnt stopped generation after generation of busy parents and happy children feeding their bunnies vegetables. . That's because if your chinchilla falls out of it when it's running, it won't have a long way to fall. Authors note: When I started writing this guide, Id planned it to be short and simple. This rhyolite is then processed to get rid of anything that isnt aluminum silicate. The increased numbers of cells showing positive TUNEL staining after 90 days of amorphous-silica inhalation suggest significant increase of intracellular damage, which may lead to cell death. It is also important to control the duration during which your chinchilla has access to their bath. Synthetic amorphous silica, referred to as SAS, has been implicated in fibrosis. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. But not everything we think we know about chinchilla dust is true. Other advantages include: Corn starch isnt a kooky home remedy; its already used by many owners. Or do you need a handy chinchilla reference guide? Authors note: When I started writing this guide, Id planned it to be short and simple. Rhyolite is a volcanic rock a little like pumice thats very high in silica (typically more than 69%). They cost hundreds of dollars. Wild chinchillas do it, so your pet chinchilla should do it too. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. So, check before you buy. The mechanism by which particles are bound and internalized and the reason particles are toxic is unclear. Treats are a good way of telling a new chinchilla that you're friendly. So far, so normal. Further study is needed to claim that its perfectly safe. At the same time, they will prevent the dust from entering your lungs. As such, you either have to avoid these dusts or only use them safely. If an infection develops because of this, it can cause serious complications. This powder, whatever it is, scratches and scars the lungs. Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. On the one hand, that means the starch will still be there between baths, stopping the fur getting greasy. They will flop, flip, and roll around in the dust to cover their coat and remove any unwanted dirt or oils. Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. This is a reasonable question. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. The most common is silica, also known as crystalline silica, pure silica or silicon dioxide. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. If you'd like to chat about chinchillas, contact me through our contact form! You could try offering longer or more frequent baths to combat this issue. So, check before you buy. It will cause breathing difficulties and coughing. Its a kind of magnesium deposit that can be broken down into a fine dust. This effect isnt well understood yet, but it seems that chronic irritation and inflammation are an indispensible participant in the process of cells turning cancerous and spreading. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. You may also have to frequently change the filter in the purifier, especially because its filtering rock dust rather than something organic. Corn starch also sticks to fur more than rock dust. switching from evenings to mornings. TUNEL staining is where scientists detect DNA breaks that form during apoptosis (cell death). However, blue cloud dust is made from amorphous aluminum silicate rather than the crystalline kind, so the link between it and silicosis is less clear. 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. However, the result suggests a mechanistic difference between FcRIIA receptor-mediated and non-opsonized silica particle phagocytosis. 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. If these effects continue for many years, whether because the dust is continually inhaled or because it cant be coughed up again, it can cause serious health issues like fibrosis. The pathway leading to apoptosis appears to be similar in both cases. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). The kinds of dust that chinchillas like are fine, but are also exceedingly dry and absorbent. Many common chinchilla dust brands are made of pumice powder, and its seen as a viable alternative to blue cloud. Natural doesnt necessarily mean good. The link between amorphous aluminum silicate (blue cloud) and cancer is less clear. Webaftermarket grill parts; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans; September 29, 2022; asus rog strix 3090 white msrp; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans Not all chinchilla dusts have silica in them. All you have to do is wear one when your chinchilla is bathing, and you wont breathe in any of the dust. Blue cloud gets its very name from the fact that it billows up in tiny clouds when your chinchilla rolls around in it. 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. However, this view has become increasingly controversial among scientists. This should be worrying for a chinchilla owner, especially if you frequently give your pets dust baths. # chinchillas # chinchillacagesetup 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. Did you come across any validation of these concerns in your research? We will be avoiding blue cloud dust going forward. Aragonite sand isnt something Ive seen before, but so long as it doesnt puff up into the air, it should be fine! That doesnt happen with sand. If the study above about amorphous silica is to be believed, then it would have this same effect. Not all kinds of sand are created equal. ChillDust is one which is popular with experienced owners and breeders. After quite a bit of research, my top picks for chinchilla dust options currently are: ChillDust. My apologies if I missed it while viewing the site on my phone. Bathing dust is very inexpensive, although the cost can add up if you have lots of chinchillas. Please dont dismiss what Ive written as the ramblings of somebody whos obsessed with health and safety, because thats just not me! However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. You can also consider bathing your chinchilla in water infrequently. 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. Furthermore, sand is less likely to get in your chinchillas eye and cause irritation. 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. It does also have certain advantages, and is completely safe, with no chance of causing silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis. 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]. Lets begin with what we know. This paper from 2011 aimed to prove that we underestimate the risks of amorphous silica, and that products which contain it should be changed. This material is more commonly used in the U.K. than the U.S. Web : buerkle honda service coupons what to wear to cover shoulders at wedding - - - While it isnt clear what effect aluminum silicate has on chinchillas, we know that silicate dusts can cause silicosis in other rodents, and that the chinchillas respiratory system is just like ours; we therefore recommend steering clear of any dust that could harm your pets health. Some sands you can buy have reviews that say theyre dusty, if you find that yours is, just wash it in a bucket of water and it should be fine. The confusion stems from how similar the effects of this physical damage are to allergies. 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. Thats a completely separate issue. As such, you either have to avoid these dusts or only use them safely. But because corn starch doesnt billow as much, theres less to clean. What color should a chinchilla's teeth be? It was long thought that amorphous silica cant be dangerous because of its shape. In contrast, only a small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica. Nope, it isnt harmful to pets either. Scientific studies have shown the link between silica dusts and lung damage. If you inhale these dusts frequently, or cant cough them up, they cause inflammation. I was curious if, in your research, you came across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot powder as a dust substitute? catanzaro solid wood platform bed; best silicone baby bottles; garnier skinactive facial mist 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. If you dont want to use corn starch, you could consider using sand. But that hasnt stopped generation after generation of busy parents and happy children feeding their bunnies vegetables. Thank you so much for this informative article. Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter! While we dont recommend it, we do recognize that blue cloud dust is easily the most popular among chinchilla owners. In cold weather or otherwise dry environments, they may only need to bathe twice a week. There are lots of different kinds of silicon-based dusts that are known to cause problems in the lungs. Chinchillas bathe in dust. Your email address will not be published. How could blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular? This would explain why crystalline silica can cause cancer so easily: its causes both direct damage to DNA and long-term inflammation. The problem isnt the aluminum or the silica; rather, its the inhalation of any fine powder that cant be broken down inside the body. Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. Silicate dust causes: You may experience one, some, or all of these symptoms. switching from evenings to mornings. If you do want to use an air purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust. However, it can contain parasites that can be harmful to other animals. 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. This means that sand has a slight cleaning effect, but isnt as good as dusts. These filters filter out particulate dust, while some even claim to filter out smoke, germs and molds. 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. Silicosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis, which is where the lungs are damaged and scarred, reducing lung function. Thats especially true if you have asthma, lung damage from smoking, or are otherwise unhealthy. The reason why owners dont use corn starch is that its not quite as effective as regular dust. We recommend childrens play sand, as this sand is: Even generic play sand is typically fine. 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. But even so, we dont recommend using blue cloud. Your email address will not be published. How could blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular? But even so, we dont recommend using blue cloud. This material is more commonly used in the U.K. than the U.S. It therefore makes sense to use these instead, even if blue cloud is the most naturalthe most similar to what wild chinchillas use. If there is a difference between amorphous and crystalline silica, it will be due to the difficulty with which they can be expressed from the lungs. 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. Cancer is primarily associated with crystalline silica, and no studies have, as of yet, proven a definitive link between amorphous silica and cancer. Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. Once your chinchilla is done bathing, you must do what you can to stop the dust settling. Crystalline silica is jagged, so can attach itself to the walls of the lungs. Sand doesnt work like that; its made of tiny, solid rocks and shells. In contrast, only a small population of cells stained TUNEL-positive after exposure to crystalline silica. But wild chinchillas dont eat hay; they eat living plants and grasses. But unlike a normal fan, air purifiers have filters attached. At first it was perfectly healthy, but now it seems to not want to eat its pellets any more. These are the kinds that builders wear (and the people that package blue cloud dust). and the borates that the cellulose is treated with are non-toxic to humans. It will then stay there until its dusted away, and when its disturbed, youll breathe even more of it in. Chinchillas live in burrows and rock crevices in the wild. There will always be owners who swear by it and have never reported a problem, so will continue using it. What Chinchilla DUST is SAFE? But your chinchillas appearance will be changed and it will spread the corn starch around its cage. 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. 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. Aluminum silicate, the only ingredient in blue cloud dust, is a combination of aluminum and silica. It wont billow up when your chinchilla bathes in it, so it cant be breathed in. This means that sand has a slight cleaning effect, but isnt as good as dusts. It seems to chew them up and spit them out, leaving them in tiny piles on the floor of the cage that look a little like sick. It doesnt clean fur quite as well. Alternatively, get somebody to help. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. Learn More Best Bath Dust For Recycling You & Me Chinchilla Bath Dust As chinchillas are mammals, their respiratory system is the same as ours. Do chinchillas need vitamins and minerals? If these effects continue for many years, whether because the dust is continually inhaled or because it cant be coughed up again, it can cause serious health issues like fibrosis. If you do want to use an air purifier, pick one thats capable of handling large amounts of rock dust. Its great at absorbing water, which is why its also used in soil for potted plants. This is therefore one of many ways of assessing how something damages a cell. These cant absorb dust, but they can pick up small amounts on their surface. Thank you again for your guidance! Thats really interesting, Ill have to do some more research on corn starch too then! Its also used for cleaning yellow fur in chinchillas. So appreciate knowing Im not alone in my concerns and my journey to find better health options for our entire family! Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. Macrophages are immune system cells that bind to bad things the body wants to get rid of, but when they try to get rid of both kinds of silica, they go through apoptosisa kind of pre-programmed way for the macrophage cells to die. Thats because it doesnt trigger allergies like rock dusts, so its perfect for people with asthma or lung disease. Thats great. If you do plan on doing this, dont use a surgical mask or a cheap face mask. About 80,000 households own chinchillas, which carry Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes associated with inflammatory tinea capitis. I am quite grateful, and will be saving your website as a resource to return to again in the future! 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. 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. They do go on to say, though, that one study disclosed four cases with silicosis among subjects exposed to apparently non-contaminated amorphous silica. Chinchillas need to chew on things to stop their teeth from getting too long. Vegetables cause the exact same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas (bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc.) If it makes things easier, consider changing the schedule by which you bathe your pet, e.g. Another advantage is that sand can be reused indefinitely. But its the fineness of this dust thats also its biggest drawback. Its that same reasoning that applies to Blue Cloud dust. Thats because whatever safety precaution you take, your chinchilla would still breathe in the dust. So that could work for you, too. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. WebIs Chinchilla Dust Harmful to Humans? Again, though, pure silica can cause pulmonary fibrosis. But pure silica dusts are just as bad, if not worse, than less-processed dusts. Plus silicosis takes years to develop, so even in the absence of current symptoms, your lungs may be being damaged. What Kind of Sand Should You Use in a Chinchilla Dust Bath? 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. It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. Webjohn deere used equipment for sale; cabela's browning shooting vest. Rock dust can break purifiers unless you change the filter frequently. Thats why builders and tradesmen who work in environments with lots of silicate dust in the air can stay safe just by wearing a respirator. Silicosis is where the lungs are so damaged that these symptoms persist continually, even in the absence of dust. Whats interesting is that amorphous silica seems to cause more damage visible during TUNEL staining than crystalline silica! Some are rougher and sharper, while others have finer grains. These filters filter out particulate dust, while some even claim to filter out smoke, germs and molds. They cost hundreds of dollars. This paper from 2011 aimed to prove that we underestimate the risks of amorphous silica, and that products which contain it should be changed. But if you absolutely must use blue cloud dust, an air purifier would be an effective defense. Studies on whether it causes lung damage have so far stated that it doesnt, although that doesnt prove definitively that it cant. Practically every owner recommends blue cloud These filters pick out particles from the air to stop you breathing them in. If you didnt have a chinchilla and youd never owned a rabbit, youd likely think the same. Easily the best way to avoid breathing in dust is to wear a respirator. It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. This will get rid of much of the dust. 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. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. If we were to use a sand, is this the best kind or is there a better option? But that mine has since closed. The effects of blue cloud dust on a chinchillas lungs are less clear. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). But not everything we think we know about chinchilla dust is true. Any kind of nice, clean sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it should be OK. Do Chinchillas Need Bedding in Their Cages? . Chinchillas are already a good example of this. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. 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. How could blue cloud dust be dangerous, despite being so popular? I look forward to new issues! This dust isnt like regular dust; it doesnt break down. At the same time, they will prevent the dust from entering your lungs. Its better to be inconvenienced than to risk the health of you and your pet. The most common is silica, also known as crystalline silica, pure silica or silicon dioxide. The key advantage of using sand is that it isnt dangerous. 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 such, weve made some recommendations below that should mitigate some of the risks associated with its use. What kind of chew toys do chinchillas need? Webcrocs kadee flat size 9 / essential streetwear pieces / is chinchilla dust harmful to humans. 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. Pumice is made of amorphous silica just like blue cloud, but it may contain other things besides if it isnt perfectly pure. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. Other studies arent as clear. Put simply, crystalline minerals form in a different way to amorphous ones. Until recently, it wasnt even thought to be possible. These little animals are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. My entire family thanks you! When fine dust billows up into the air, it hangs there for a few seconds. Chinchillas like to chew power cables. But you can also get pure silica which has nothing else added to it. (ruled out for respiration concerns for humans and chinchillas) playsands (ruled out for human safety concerns) aragonite sand (ruled out for concern over the presence of microorganisms and the difference in natural terrain, which chinchillas from mountainous regions and aragonite sand harvested from the ocean seabed) Montmorillonite clay (was one of my top contenders, actually, following Sweet PDZ, because it could offer similar benefits to chinchillas and humans, but ultimately ruled out because I couldnt find any chinchilla owner using it, so I would want to run this by an exotic vet first. When this is caused by silica of some kind, the condition is referred to as silicosis, and its serious. If this tumor spreads to other parts of the body, its classified as cancer. This applies to any kind of fine silicate dust, be that pure silica, aluminum silicate, or silica mixed with something else. Thank you! Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. And general silicosis has been demonstrated in other rodents, too. Marketing for blue cloud brands state that it doesnt contain lead, arsenic, glass and various other nasties which is good. Cleaning and tidying is one way to achieve that. WebWhat diseases can chinchillas pass to humans? The questions are multiple choice, and each answer is explained. Check out our Chinchilla Care 101 eBook, or get what you need from our online store! Blue cloud gets its name from how fine it is. The 5 Best Chinchilla We feed our chinchillas a diet unlike that which they eat in the wild. How to Make Homemade BBQ Sauce: Tips for Canning Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe, Executive Coaching: Job Description & Salary, Five Characteristics of a Successful Event Planner, Motivating Salespeople: What Really Works, 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. Is dust bath safe? Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. 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. Breeders use it to bathe their chinchillas before shows. But wild chinchillas dont eat hay; they eat living plants and grasses. Its easy to break down, and its mined in great quantities, so its available almost anywhere. Hope this follow-up information is helpful! As I was already familiar with blue cloud dust and all the popular blue cloud brands, I was going to give an honest comparison on which brand I thought was best and be done with it. Vegetables cause the exact same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas (bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc.) Practically every single chinchilla owner, even experienced owners and breeders, recommends blue cloud dust. This should be worrying for a chinchilla owner, especially if you frequently give your pets dust baths. If none of your rooms has an extractor fan, pick a room that has large windows. But because of safety concerns, we nonetheless have to recommend it. But the more I read and researched this topic, I felt that there was more to the story than just which brand is best. Another example is the idea of the exercise ball. Some owners will swear by one brand, other owners by another, but broadly they all do the same thing with roughly the same level of effectiveness. This is, at least, something you dont have to think about with other dusts. Thanks again, LoveMyChinchilla, for posting this article and prompting my research deep-dive! There are reasonably well-known brands that use pumice. When a chinchilla rolls around in it, the dust billows up into the air. Youre therefore constantly breathing it in if you use it. 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