A new study published in Chemosphere discovered that dog toys can release BPA, potentially posing a health threat to dogs.
In other words:
- Some popular dog toys release BPA when chewed or sucked on.
- BPA can migrate into dogs’ saliva, where it can affect gene expression and harm dogs’ health.
- The authors also found that BPA may promote the formation of fat cells in dogs, which may increase their risk for obesity.
Key quotes:
“Our findings suggest that companion dogs are at risk of exposure to BPA, which may contribute to obesity in dogs. Therefore, implementing precautionary measures is very important.”
Why it matters:
In addition to its effects on neurological development, the reproductive system, and cancer risk, BPA is also an obesogen that may increase the susceptibility of exposed individuals to obesity. Global obesity rates are rising not only in humans, but in pets as well – approximately 54% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. With very few studies on the presence of obesogens and other toxicants in pet products, the authors of this study highlight the need for more research to better understand the effects of these chemicals on health of both humans and animals.
Related EHN range:
Jerry Heindel, PhD, Director of Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS), a division of Environmental Health Sciences, writes on the subject of obesogens:
More resources:
HEEDS has coordinated three comprehensive scientific reviews of obesogens and encourages more research into the potential effects of obesogens.
Park, Eun-Jung et al. for Chemosphere. June 10, 2024
