Protect Pets and Kids From Pesticides In Flea Collars | Care2 ...

Pesticides come in all shapes and sizes, and effect creatures large and small. If you are like me, you diligently check your family?s food labels, and read as much as you can stomach about the toxic soup that comes in contact with our bodies. I also check what is in my pet?s food. Pet food manufacturers are notorious for adding dangerous preservatives and vitamin fortifications that can make pet food less healthy, while claiming all sorts of healthful benefits. Now there?s a major concern focused on pet flea collars.

Flea collars deposit a chemical residue on your pet?s fur that is aimed to kill fleas. But, this dangerous pesticide residue is not just toxic to the pests the collars are trying to kill; it can be harmful to pets and children. Children who come in contact with the collars on their pets are also at risk. Young children are particularly susceptible to these pesticides because their nervous systems and brains are still developing. Children often put their hands in their mouths, making them more likely to ingest hazardous residues.

What?s so bad about flea collars?

The NRDC recently filed a petition with the EPA asking them to ban the use of the pesticide propoxur, a known carcinogen in some flea collars. The EPA is in charge of ensuring the safety of our air, land and water and a multitude of other regulatory hazards, including flea control products. It is asking for public input on whether to continue to allow the neurotoxic and cancer-causing pesticide propoxur in pet products.

?EPA officials are waiting to hear more from the companies that make these products. In the meantime, the dangerous products remain on the shelves. We need to tip the balance and let EPA know that there are millions of concerned pet owners and families who want to make sure that toxic products are taken off the market. EPA has opened this discussion to the public and has a website where you can post your comments (see detailed instructions below) until July 15th 2011.? ~ Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, NRDC

How to tell the EPA to ban the chemical propoxur from pet products?

1. Go to www.regulations.gov by July 15th
2. Enter the following ID: EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0207-0018 and click search.
3. On the right hand side click on ?submit a comment?. Write you our comment in the box provided. Please be sure to let them know that you are worried about unsafe pet products and ask them to cancelor ban the use of the chemical propoxur in pet products. Submit.

As we continue to strive to green up our lives, let?s not forget our pets! To learn more about safer methods of flea and tick control check out Green Paws.

Ronnie Citron-Fink is a writer and educator. Ronnie regularly writes about sustainable living for online sites and magazines. Along with being the creator of www.econesting.com, Ronnie has contributed to numerous books about green home design, DIY, children, and humor. Ronnie lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her family.

Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/protect-pets-and-kids-from-pesticides-in-flea-collars.html

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