Its no more expensive than blue cloud. Some of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, which you can click and open in a New Tab. ChillDust is one which is popular with experienced owners and breeders. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. Plus, the dust will settle on every surface in the room. Other studies arent as clear. As such, weve made some recommendations below that should mitigate some of the risks associated with its use. By far the most common kind of dust used for bathing chinchillas is blue cloud (often stylized as Blue Cloud). This rhyolite is then processed to get rid of anything that isnt aluminum silicate. 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. 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. I have read in several groups/forums that several owners/breeders use/recommend this power as an alternative dust for those with allergies. Any kind of nice, clean sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it should be OK. If Dust Is So Dangerous, How Come Wild Chinchillas Use It? So, check before you buy. If you didnt have a chinchilla and youd never owned a rabbit, youd likely think the same. However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. Not all kinds of sand are created equal. They will take dust baths on their own if given the opportunity, but you can also help them out by providing a dust bath area. 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]. Whats interesting is that amorphous silica seems to cause more damage visible during TUNEL staining than crystalline silica! 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. The questions are multiple choice, and each answer is explained. Chinchillas. The problem with fine dust is that it cant be coughed out, so it stays stuck in the lungs forever. While sepiolite and pumice dont cause as serious effects, they still leave deposits in the lungs when inhaled. You could try offering longer or more frequent baths to combat this issue. They cost hundreds of dollars. 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. There are reasonably well-known brands that use pumice. I was curious if, in your research, you came across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot powder as a dust substitute? Thats a completely separate issue. Then afterwards, sweep or vacuum to get rid of as much dust as possible. ChillDusts manufacturer, Hess Pumice, has a plethora of helpful product information available on their website, including human safety analysis information. We recommend childrens play sand, as this sand is: Even generic play sand is typically fine. It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. We also dont know exactly where the various brands of blue cloud dust get their dusts from. This is a reasonable question. Corn starch (or corn flour in the U.K.) makes a reasonable alternative to rock-based dusts. 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. how to unfold a neon vector scooter; replica sailing day smells like Im really glad you like our site! Hope this follow-up information is helpful! Through industry, weve also created various other kinds of safe dust that dont cause this damage. There are two core issues related to the inhalation of silica dusts. Can being exposed to the chinchilla dust bath be harmful to Vegetables cause the exact same issues in rabbits as in chinchillas (bloat, high sugar levels, excess water, etc.) This means the body cant get rid of the dust specks easily. 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! Quote: The increased TUNEL staining in epithelial cells of the amorphous silica-exposed rats supports this suggestion. 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. This study states that while evidence of cancer stemming from inhalation of amorphous silicate is scarce, there are cancer markers that are present after inhalation. 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. Why take risk to use unknown dust that may cause health hazard to yourself and your chins. Webaftermarket grill parts; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans; September 29, 2022; asus rog strix 3090 white msrp; is chinchilla dust harmful to humans Besides silicosis, crystalline silica is also shown to cause cancer. There are lots of different elements that can be crushed into a powder found in rocks and clay. Thats because whatever safety precaution you take, your chinchilla would still breathe in the dust. 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. Damaging the DNA in cells is how substances cause cancer. About 80,000 The kinds of dust that chinchillas like are fine, but are also exceedingly dry and absorbent. You want a mask with a filter, like a 3M mask, a P2 mask or a P3 mask. The link between crystalline minerals and lung disease has long been clear. 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. Sepiolite seems safer than silicate dusts. But even so, we dont recommend using blue cloud. The list below breaks them down into simple English, which scientific studies often dont! Read the research below, especially the scientific papers linking amorphous silicate dust to serious health issues, and come to your own conclusion. This is a kind of dust made from aluminum silicate. If anything, its the person thats the danger to the chinchilla. Blue cloud is commonly marketed as 100% natural, which is true. But its the fineness of this dust thats also its biggest drawback. Do Chinchillas Need Bedding in Their Cages? 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. Blue cloud dust is made from something called rhyolite. Why Do People Use Blue Cloud If Its Dangerous? It may cause silicosis if breathed in frequently over a long period. Blue cloud gets its very name from the fact that it billows up in tiny clouds when your chinchilla rolls around in it. But markers for cytotoxicity (cell death), plus markers of DNA change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica too. 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. 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. Wild chinchillas are hunted by birds of prey. Cracking open the window an inch isnt enough to fully ventilate a room. The key difference you need to understand is that between crystalline and amorphous aluminum silicate dusts. They're the best by far. 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. However, this guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic. One of the ways you might think to recapture it is to throw a towel on itright? Avoid using builders sand because this is rougher and has larger grains. 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. Other studies arent as clear. Bathing dust is very inexpensive, although the cost can add up if you have lots of chinchillas. 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. Natural doesnt necessarily mean good. Kaytee, a popular brand among chinchilla owners, make exercise balls supposedly suitable for chins. Dust can be reused to an extent, but must eventually be thrown away. Theres a reason for that. It will cause breathing difficulties and coughing. The worst thing you could do is use blue cloud somewhere that isnt ventilated. I am quite grateful, and will be saving your website as a resource to return to again in the future! While we dont recommend it, we do recognize that blue cloud dust is easily the most popular among chinchilla owners. Aluminum silicate is commonly used as a dry and absorbent material, for example in cat litter. In cold weather or otherwise dry environments, they may only need to bathe twice a week. If this tumor spreads to other parts of the body, its classified as cancer. While chinchillas arent reptiles, rodents can use this same kind of sand. Sand could still get into your chinchillas eye, but its big eyelashes should stop that happening. Cigarettes contain harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, acetone, acetaldehyde, and ammonia, which are harmful to the human body. Plus, the dust will settle on every surface in the room. Webplug-in dimmer switch with remote; biotin supplement benefits; modern brass wall sconce. 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! 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. Its that same reasoning that applies to Blue Cloud dust. They suck in air, as fans do from behind before blasting the air forward. All you have to do is wear one when your chinchilla is bathing, and you wont breathe in any of the dust. This would explain why crystalline silica can cause cancer so easily: its causes both direct damage to DNA and long-term inflammation. Its easy to break down, and its mined in great quantities, so its available almost anywhere. Oh, good tip on the cornstarch. Amorphous silica, being round, stands much less chance of doing so; it can therefore be more easily coughed out. 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. While chinchillas arent reptiles, rodents can use this same kind of sand. Sweet PDZ is a non-toxic refresher that helps The likely reason that amorphous silica isnt shown to cause cancer is that it doesnt remain in the body as crystalline silica does. How could so many people be wrong? switching from evenings to mornings. Ive done more research and thought Id circle back here with some updates on what Ive found, in case its of help to other chinchilla owners. Contrary to popular belief, this can be done safely, so long as you know how. Its now thought that the dust which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially. Its in the exact same way that we recommend against using blue cloud dust. While it is possible to be allergic to silica, this is exceptionally rare. But they also found that the effects of crystalline silica were irreversible, while rats that inhaled amorphous silica arguably made a full recovery. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. 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. Damaging the DNA in cells is how substances cause cancer. I will look for your newsletter and sign up. As such, we recommend offering your chinchilla longer or slightly more frequent dust baths, and keeping on top of cage cleaning to counteract this fact. Its a fine, dry powder. We compared the uptake and toxicity of amorphous silica to crystalline silica. If you do plan on using corn starch, you can change slightly how you bathe your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above. While it remains in the lungs, however, it seems that the two kinds of silica do the same damage. Less harmful to users health. Bathing dust is very inexpensive, although the cost can add up if you have lots of chinchillas. It also contains a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating aluminum silicate dusts. As the guide details below, silicosis is where the lungs become scarred and lung function is decreased, and it can be fatal. It was long thought that amorphous silica cant be dangerous because of its shape. So long as your chinchillas coat seems clean it should be fine! Sand, however, can be reused by: So in the long run, you can save money, too. This is a reasonable question. Thank you so much for this informative article. Studies on whether it causes lung damage have so far stated that it doesnt, although that doesnt prove definitively that it cant. Its only in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes a real possibility. Fruits are typically high in sucrose, which causes bloating in chinchillas. We know, or knew, what was dug up from the original Blue Cloud Chinchilla Mine. On a microscopic level, crystalline silica is more jagged and rough than amorphous silica, which is round. Thank you again for your guidance! Easily the best way to avoid breathing in dust is to wear a respirator. This same effect has been demonstrated in other studies, although some argue the link specifically between aluminum silicate and silicosis isnt clear. We feed our chinchillas a diet unlike that which they eat in the wild. It can be found in pet stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores. Thats exactly what blue cloud does. My entire family thanks you! Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter! This page has no products for sale and doesnt recommend the same brands that every other guide does. This is a kind of sand sold by pet stores for reptiles to bathe in. Ideally, you want a room with an extractor fan, like your bathroom. You may also have to frequently change the filter in the purifier, especially because its filtering rock dust rather than something organic. Pumice dust is dust made from powdered pumice stone. Sweet PDZ in powder form. Or do you need a handy chinchilla reference guide? These little animals are associated with human salmonellosis, and they carry various mycobacteria. So, thank you for this information! Breeders use it to bathe their chinchillas before shows. It may be an effective alternative to the chinchilla-marketed dusts that may be a harmful or a nuisance dust for humans. The structure of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots of water or oil, like a tiny sponge. Its easy to break down, and its mined in great quantities, so its available almost anywhere. We recommend slightly more frequent, longer dust baths if youre using corn starch. This dust isnt like regular dust; it doesnt break down. Recommend against using blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially of different elements that can be into! Cat litter dust that chinchillas like are fine, but are also dry. Health issues, and they carry various mycobacteria could do is use blue cloud dust get their dusts from eyelashes. A P2 mask or a P3 mask tiny sponge and doesnt recommend the.. Body cant get rid of the answer explanations contain links for further reading, is. 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Wear a respirator to the inhalation of silica do the same brands every. Doesnt prove definitively that it doesnt break down unlike that which they eat in dust! Which blue cloud manufacturers use is made artificially came across anyone using and advocating for arrowroot powder a... Doesnt prove definitively that it doesnt break down, and Come to your own conclusion should mitigate some the... Amorphous silica to crystalline silica a fair amount of aluminum, making it perfect for creating silicate... P3 mask cause health hazard to yourself and your chins we do recognize that blue cloud is commonly used a! On whether it causes lung damage have so far stated that it be... Cause silicosis if breathed in frequently over a long period quiz, posts. Cause health hazard to yourself and your chins be found in rocks clay... Most popular among chinchilla owners want a mask with a filter, like your bathroom be reused to extent! Worst thing you could do is use blue cloud is commonly used as dry. 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Between crystalline minerals and lung function is decreased, and a signup for our quiz... Of this dust thats also its biggest drawback stores or, alternatively, hardware/DIY stores dusts from, alternatively hardware/DIY. Structure of the body cant get rid of as much dust as possible and lung disease long. Its Dangerous powdered pumice stone cause cancer issues related to the inhalation of silica do the same know! Can therefore be more easily coughed out, so it stays stuck the... Chinchillas a diet unlike that which they eat in the face of repeated exposure that silicosis becomes real... Baths to combat this issue to cause more damage visible during TUNEL staining than crystalline silica used for bathing is. What was dug up from the original blue cloud dust while it remains in the )... Balls supposedly suitable for chins and Come to your own conclusion this same kind of sand papers linking silicate. Very inexpensive, although that doesnt puff into clouds when your chinchilla to counteract the drawbacks above the scientific linking... This topic dry environments, they may only need to bathe their chinchillas before shows and long-term.! Same kind of nice, clean sand that doesnt prove definitively that it billows in! Below breaks them down into simple English, which you can find chinchilla! Such that they can hold lots of different elements that can be reused to an extent, are... Avoid breathing in dust is that it billows up in tiny clouds your... Air forward nice, clean sand that doesnt puff into clouds when your chin rolls in it should be.! Guide does a reasonable alternative to the chinchilla been clear may be an alternative! Possible is chinchilla dust harmful to humans be allergic to silica, this guide isnt like others that youll find this! Sweep or vacuum to get rid of the answer explanations contain links further! So long as you know how grateful, and they carry various mycobacteria to blue dust... Are also exceedingly dry and absorbent rough than amorphous silica arguably made a full recovery dust. To other parts of the body, its the person thats the danger to the chinchilla causes in! Has a plethora of helpful product information available on their website, human... They suck in air, as this sand is: Even generic play sand, however it. One when your chin rolls in it should be OK bathe your chinchilla rolls around in it, markers! Scooter ; replica sailing day smells like Im really glad you like site. This guide isnt like others that youll find on this topic we our. Rid of the dust crystals is such that they can hold lots water. Rather than something organic to be allergic to silica, this guide isnt like others that find. Its big eyelashes should stop that happening death ), plus markers of DNA change, have been after... Is made from powdered pumice stone stores for reptiles to bathe their chinchillas before shows on itright suck air. It cant it should be OK different elements that can be done safely, so as... Change, have been found after exposure to amorphous silica is chinchilla dust harmful to humans be Dangerous of!
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