If you have already visited CANDLES & AROMATICS, you have read about the potential hazards of essential oils to birds. We know that alcohols and bleach, especially when used at full strength, can create respiratory distress in humans. Contact and inhalation of bleach and alcohol is significantly more dangerous to birds, even if the product is diluted. Most bleaches contain sodium hypochlorite. Household bleach products that contain concentrations of hypochlorite that are greater than 5% may be problematic to birds. Besides the danger of inhalation that alcohol presents to birds, avians may be at a higher risk of harm from alcohol if it is exposured to their skin or injested. Birds have a thinner skin than some mammals, even though feathers offer some protection. The concentration of the chemicals listed above, the amount of cleaning product used, and how they are exposed to the product chemicals; by inhalation, ingestion, or topically, determines the severity of distress and will effect how the distressed bird will be treated, if treatment is needed or a possibility.

Acids are generally found in toilet bowl cleaners, lime removers, drain openers, and anti-rust compounds. Acids cause severe burns when they come in contact with skin. If acid is inhaled, severe respiratory distress may occur. Swallowing acid can cause burns and ulceration along the alimentary tract (the tubular passage of mucous membrane and muscle extending from mouth to anus; functions in digestion and elimination). Burns to the tongue, mouth, throat, and esophagus may also occur from swallowing acid.

Drain and oven cleaners, electric dishwasher soaps, and homemade soaps containing high amounts of alkali ( lye) are some examples of alkali based cleaning products. Alkali based products are most dangerous if they make contact with skin or are ingested.

Many detergents contain peroxides. Peroxides in concentrations greater than 10% may be harmful to skin.

Aerosols suspend liquids in air. This makes those carrying fumes and chemicals particularly dangerous to the avian respiratory system.

SOLUTIONS

Birds should be removed from areas where cleaning products are being used, so as not to expose birds to fumes or direct skin contact, and not returned until the area is completely aired.

Cleaning products should never be mixed. Mixing cleaning productions can cause hazards chemical reactions.

A paste of baking soda and water, painted in the oven and on oven racks, works as an alternative to store bought oven cleaners. The paste can be left on in a cool oven before it is wiped away.

A mixture of vinegar and water is effective for disinfecting and wiping down cages and toys. Vinegar should never be mixed with bleach or ammonia.