31/07/2025
Wellness Wednesday: Gasses that can hurt or kill birds
Last week, we talked about scents that can harm parrots. This week, let’s talk about gasses. You can’t always see them, but they can be just as dangerous... or worse.
These are some of the most common harmful gasses in the home:
Teflon (*PTFE) fumes: Overheated nonstick pans, air fryers, space heaters, irons, and even some hair dryers can release deadly fumes. Birds have died in minutes even in a separate room.
PTFE vs. PFOA – What’s the difference?
PTFE is the nonstick coating itself, it's the substance that, when overheated, releases toxic fumes deadly to birds.
PFOA was a chemical once used in the production of PTFE. It's now largely phased out due to health concerns in humans.
So when you see a pan labeled "PFOA-free," that doesn’t mean it's bird-safe. It may still contain PTFE. What matters most is avoiding PTFE entirely.
Burning food or oil: Smoke from overheated oil or burned food can cause respiratory failure in birds. That “oops” moment in the kitchen isn’t just a nuisance, it could be fatal.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals released as gasses from many household products even long after they’re used. These fumes build up in indoor air and can irritate or damage a bird’s lungs and air sacs.
Common sources of VOCs include:
Air fresheners and scented sprays (even “natural” ones)
Paints, varnishes, and glues
Oven cleaners
Cleaning products (especially disinfectants and degreasers)
New furniture or carpets (off-gassing)
New ovens are often coated with protective oils, lubricants, or chemical residues from the factory. During the first few uses (or a specific “burn-in” cycle), these coatings off-gas fumes that can be irritating or toxic, especially to birds.
HVAC and heat strips: Some electric heat strips or furnaces may off-gas chemicals during first use, especially after long periods of being off. Birds should be out of the house during the first seasonal startup.
Gas leaks or carbon monoxide: Invisible, odorless, and deadly.
If it gives off gas, smoke, or fumes, assume it’s unsafe.
*Not an exhaustive list of dangerous items for PTFE"
