I was totally going to wait until next week to blog again, but this morning I got 8 (EIGHT!!) Google Alerts on cats being poisoned by (get the dictionary out this is going to be a really big word) polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Alright, I'll get the dictionary out for you.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers: or PBDEs, are a group of chemicals that are used as flame retardants in a variety of polymer resins and plastics. They are found in many products in most homes and businesses, including furniture, TVs, stereos, computers, carpets, and curtains.

PBDEs are also used, to a lesser degree, in some textiles, adhesives, sealants and coatings.

So flame retardants. I think I talked a little about them when I was out in Silicon Valley running around with that giant skull made out of e-waste. Yes, this is actually my job. I know your jealous!

One more vocabulary word before I move onto the meat of this issue and why I got so many Google Alerts on this thing. I'm not spokeswoman for many things, but Google Alerts --- awesome! 

Feline hyperthyroidism (You have to see the little cat (ha ha) scans of these cats: is the most common endocrine disorder. Some of the signs are rapid weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite as well as increased water consumption.

Ok, so, it turns out feline hyperthroidism was almost unknown until the 1970's and now its a total epidemic. The EPA is calling cats the canary in the coal mine for toxic chemicals in our homes. Scary.  And if your cat is getting sick from the unnecessarily dangerous and deadly chemicals in your furniture, think about your kids.  Young children have a higher propensity of putting random household items in their mouths and because of their smaller bodies chemicals accumulate at a faster rate.

In 2004 the European Union banned two types of PBDEs and this past spring Washington state became the first in the country to ban all uses of PBDEs.  

Keep up the pressure all you cat-lovers! and people lovers! We all deserve better a toxic free home.

Holla.