Domestic Cat Reveals Hazardous Substances at Home

Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have measured the levels of brominated flame retardants in blood serum from the domestic cat, substances believed to contribute to an overactive thyroid gland in cats.

Brominated flame retardants
Brominated flame retardants are commonly used in electronic products as a means of reducing the flammability of the product. They are also found, for instance, in textiles. At home, a major source of exposure of brominated flame retardants is indoor dust. Other sources of exposure are direct contact with materials containing them, food and the indoor air. Many hazardous substances, including brominated flame retardants, have a hormone-resembling molecule structure.

“These substances act as endocrine disruptors and disturb the hormone balance of your body. In humans, we're primarily interested in substances affecting sex and reproductive functions,” says Professor Bernt Jones.

Measured levels in cats and humans
In Sweden, the measured levels of brominated flame retardants in cats are about 50 times higher than in the adult human population. However, recent studies show that small children are exposed to more brominated flame retardants than adults. The source is probably flame retardants bound to indoor dust and the increased exposure is probably a result of small children crawling on the floor and putting things in their mouth. Cats show a similar behaviour. They move closely to the floor and lick their fur when grooming.

An extended cat blood analysis of additional hazardous substances, including plasticity-increasing substances in plastics and PCB-like compounds, are planned this winter.

“In particular, we believe the results will be a relevant indicator of the uptake and occurrence of these substances in small children,” says Professor Bernt Jones.