Beware of Airborne Toxins

Because birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, it is common practice for miners to take canaries into mines to act as sentinels. If a canary dies, the men know there are poison gases present. The birds succumb to these gases before the people even begin to notice.

For the health of your parrot and your family, it is important to limit air borne pollutants and toxins in your home.

Please take precautions when using any of these items. Remove your bird to fresh air, a different room or completely from your home. Some people choose to eliminate the use of the following:

• Aerosol sprays
• Scented candles (possibly all candles)
• Air fresheners – Sprays or plug-ins
• Nonstick cookware - Nonstick Coating Toxicity
• Nonstick irons or ironing board covers
• Self-clean cycle on the oven
• Ozone Producing Air Purifiers (actually produce Ozone gases which are a pollutant)
• Space Heaters with Nonstick coating on various parts of the unit
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Harsh Chemicals
• Pesticides
• Cigarette Smoke

Since birds are small animals, caution is especially necessary when it comes to the quality of air they breath.