11/30/2023
Teflon Poisoning In Birds ...
Problems and risks of keeping birds in the kitchen. After having performed quite a few post-mortem autopsies on parrots Dr.Vito has arrived at the conclusion that Teflon poisoning is extremely dangerous to birds.
Birds are susceptible to a respiratory condition called "teflon toxicity" or "PTFE poisoning/toxicosis." Deaths can result from this condition, which is due to the noxious fumes emitted from overheated cookware coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This chemical is found on most non-stick cookware and appliances, some stain repellant products, and other household items.
What are the signs of PTFE toxicosis?
The signs of PTFE toxicosis are non-specific, and could be seen in a variety of respiratory and other diseases. Birds are usually found dead in the cage or gasping for air and eventually dying. Mild exposures may result in difficulty breathing, wheezing, incoordination, weakness, depression, anxious behavior, or seizures.
The diagnosis of PTFE poisoning is usually made through physical examination, a history of using an item with a non-stick surface that was possibly overheated, and, if the bird has died, a post-mortem examination. The toxic particles released by overheated PTFE mainly affect the lungs. On post-mortem examination, the lungs are often dark red in color, with hemorrhages and congestion. Hemorrhages and congestion may also appear in the trachea and bronchi. Other toxic irritants for birds include aerosol sprays, to***co smoke, carbon monoxide, natural gas, ammonia, and burned foods and cooking oils. The signs associated with exposure to these toxins vary from mild chronic pneumonia to death.
Why are birds more sensitive to PTFE toxicosis?
The respiratory tract of birds is extremely sensitive to toxins in the air because of its unique anatomy. It is extremely efficient in exchanging gasses in order to provide very high levels of oxygen to the muscles for flight. While delivering oxygen so efficiently, it can also deliver toxic gasses. In addition, the small size and high metabolic rate of birds increases their susceptibility to airborne toxins. Birds, often canaries, have historically been utilized as sentinels for toxic gasses in coal mines because of this increased sensitivity.
Some Common Sources of PTFE
>Non-stick pots, pans, and other cookware
>Stain repellants
>Space heaters and heat lamp covers
>Non-stick irons and ironing board covers
>Hair dryers
>Non-stick oven drip pans and broiler pans
>Non-stick griddles, woks, waffle makers, electric skillets, tortilla presses
>Non-stick hot air corn poppers, coffee makers, bread makers
>Non-stick slow cookers, roasters, pizza pans
>Ceramic cooking stoves
>How can PTFE toxicosis in birds be prevented?
Dr. Benvenga a vet specialised in exotic animals and birds makes the following recommendations:
1.If you have PTFE-coated drip pans, throw them away.
2.Never boil water in a PTFE-coated pan.
3.Never leave the kitchen when a PTFE-coated pan is in use.
4.Cook at low or medium heat when using PTFE-coated pans.
5.Never allow anyone to use PTFE-coated cookware in your home, unless instructed of its potential danger.
6.Ensure that your kitchen is properly ventilated, preferably by a hood that vents outdoors.
7.If you are an absent-minded person: give your PTFE-coated cookware away.
Even if you do all of the above, never keep your pet bird in the kitchen.
What other toxic fumes or gasses pose a danger for birds?
• Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, non-odorous gas that can be fatal to birds and all other animals. It can be emitted from fires, automobile exhaust, and central heating units.
• Overheated or burned cooking oil, fats, margarine, butter, and other foods may create dangerous fumes when cooked on any type of surface heated above 260˚C. Never heat butter or oil in a pan on HIGH.
• Using the "self clean" mode of your oven can produce toxic fumes.
• Natural gas in the air from a leak or unlit pilot light can be fatal. Never allow the pilot light of your oven, stove, water heater, or dryer go out. Keep your bird in a well-ventilated area away from sources of natural gas and propane.
• Aerosols from many types of products may contain fluorocarbons and particulates that can be toxic. Avoid the use of hair spray, perfume, spray deodorant, spray-on cooking oil, spray starch, and other aerosols in the same room as, or in close proximity to, your birds.
• Burned or scorched plastics can emit toxic fumes. Use care in the kitchen, in the placement of candles, incense sticks and using wood stoves and fireplaces to avoid the burning, scorching, or igniting of any plastic products.
• Fumes from cleaning agents such as ammonia and strong bleach can irritate the respiratory system and cause respiratory difficulties to both humans and birds.
• Pesticides, in the form of bug bombs, flea and tick foggers, and pesticide strips and sprays, can be very toxic to birds, as well as fish.
• Organic compounds and solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover, mineral spirits, gasoline, glues, paints, and mothballs are hazardous to birds.
• Smoke of any kind, including to***co smoke, can quickly become toxic to birds, even causing death. Long-term exposure can not only damage the respiratory system, but cause eye and skin problems, as well as increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
For all these reasons and many more I would recommend that birds should NEVER be kept in the kitchen especially if the bird has just been bought as it may pose a vector of parasites and bacteria transmissable to humans and therefore is very unsanitary to have around food.
Credit: Dr. Vito Benvenga