Dear Reader: Since the invention of flush toilets, we humans have followed one of the basic rules of ecology: proper recycling of fecal waste through composting/fermentation to destroy potential pathogens. I've mishandled it. Now, I'm also wondering about pharmaceuticals that may remain in the waste.
I am concerned that medications other than antibiotics, especially oral contraceptives, are excreted in the feces and urine. It is worth noting that epidemiologists are testing sewage to assess the spread of COVID-19 in communities. All municipalities must implement the best available technology to promote biosecurity when handling human waste in sewage treatment and treatment facilities.
Prolonged droughts also pose problems for waste management, while at the other end of the spectrum, flooding can cause untreated sewage to flow into roads, not to mention nearby lakes and rivers, and ultimately into the ocean.
For more information on these issues, please see the research below.
— Roger Murray et al.: “Effects of stabilization processes in municipal sewage sludge on abundance, field persistence, and transmission to vegetables of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes at harvest,” Science of the Total Environmental, 2019
— Katarzyna Styszko et al.: “Impact of sewage sludge treatment on the safety of its use”, Scientific Reports, 2022
My advice: Only buy foods that are USDA certified organic. Methods such as irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic modification are all expressly prohibited when growing or processing certified organic foods. (See usda.gov/media/blog/2011/12/16/organic-101-what-organic-farming-and-processing-doesnt-allow.)
Dear Dr. Fox: Our beloved 5-year-old cat passed away suddenly. It happened just two days after we installed the trash can enclosure/furniture, which we later found out was from China.
He was a perfectly happy and playful cat when we set up the enclosure. The next evening he vomited and did not eat. He was lethargic and didn't want to play.
The next morning we took him to the vet and he didn't have a fever. His heart was fine. There are no pilling. And my blood tests came back almost normal. However, he was diagnosed with FIV. They gave him a multivitamin and medication for vomit control and immune support.
The next morning, we rushed to the veterinary hospital and he passed away in my arms. His last act was to spit out the projectile with a terrible noise. And then he died. Please help me understand what happened.
Looking at articles online, I am now very suspicious of cat furniture made in China. Please let us know what you think. If it's furniture, we want to save other animals from this horrible experience. — KKM, Silver Spring, FL
Dear KKM: I am sorry to hear of your cat's sudden death. While a diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus may be a factor, information found online suggests that your cat's immune system may be compromised by chemicals used in imported furniture. there is.
One potential toxin is methyl bromide, which is used as a fumigant. Chronic exposure to this can damage the thyroid.
This post from furniture company Dapwood — dapwood.com/beware-of-imported-products — might actually have exposed your cat to toxins in treated furniture imported from China. I doubt it.
From dapwood.com: “With international shipping becoming a mainstay of the global economy, have you ever wondered how the United States keeps out exotic insects, rodents, and fungi? We do too. That's right. What we discovered was both fascinating and disturbing. It was interesting to uncover a side of the import business that is rarely discussed in America today. I was disturbed by the simple fact that many harmful methods are used to kill potential pests, and that it is accepted as a silent necessary evil. Try asking the retailer what methods were used to get rid of any pests that may have been present. You may get a very confused look. This information will be made part of the import process. It is not shared with consumers because it is too small.”
More information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates the importation of wood and wood products. APHIS regulates the risk of introducing exotic pests and diseases into the United States. requires that wood and wood products undergo certain phytosanitary procedures before import to eliminate
“There are two treatment options for wood and wood products. Heat treatment involves the use of dry heat, such as a kiln dryer or microwave energy dryer. Chemical treatment includes surface pesticides, preservatives, or the use of methyl bromide fumigation.”
KKM's reply: Thank you for your reply. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved cat. It's horrifying to think that you added something special to your home, only to have your cat die instead.
We bought furniture from Amazon. The furniture was called Petsite, but elsewhere the company was listed as Petjoy. When I notified Amazon, a customer service representative said the item would be removed from the market.
I consulted a veterinarian and was told that my cat had died from poisoning. He intends to warn other customers.
What else can I do to prevent this from happening to others?
DR. FOX's Answer: Purchase only products labeled “Made in America.” Don't be fooled by statements like “Sold by (US company)” even if the product is actually manufactured elsewhere.
(Please send all emails to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.Due to the volume of emails received, personal responses may not be possible. Although prohibited, questions and comments of general interest will be addressed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxOneHealth.com. )
