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In the wild,
parrots live and breathe in fresh air and they are not exposed to the types and
levels of toxins present in our homes. Indoor air pollution is
a major concern for all of us and even more of a concern for our birds.
The air that surrounds us daily contains many allergens, pollens, molds, fungi,
pollutants and dust. Our air tight, energy efficient homes just don't allow
many of these indoor pollutants to escape. The conditions worsen when the
weather is cold and we are unable to circulate fresh air from a source like a
cracked window.
Parrots are
extremely sensitive to the quality of the air environment around us. By
design, to enable their ability to fly, their respiratory systems are highly
efficient and virtually all of the air in their lungs is replaced with every breath.
Birds also breathe at a much higher rate (25-40 times per minute) versus the
typically respiration rate for humans (12-16). These factors
combined mean that air pollutants can impact birds more quickly and more severely
than humans. Canaries were used in the mining industry for this
very reason; they served as an early warning system for the miners.
Exposure to many pollutants can cause severe health problems, premature death
and even an immediate fatality for your companion parrot.
A partial
list of common household items that contain or generate toxic pollutants
hazardous to birds follows:
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Non-stick
cookware and other items that utilize teflon such as irons, ironing board
covers, heaters and hair dryers which will release toxic gas when
overheated. Read labels carefully on all
household appliances!
-
Tobacco
products
-
Aerosols
(hairspray, deodorant, perfume, cleaners, fabric deodorizers)
-
New
carpeting
-
Wood
stoves, kerosene heaters
-
Incense
-
Scented
Candles
-
Air
Fresheners
-
Cleaning
fluids
How to
Improve Household Air Quality
-
Remove
all
harmful chemicals and products from your house.
-
Install
an air purification system with HEPA filters and change filters often to
eliminate harmful particulates and dust.
-
Keep
humidifiers and air conditioners clean and free from mold.
-
Use bird safe
cleaning products.
-
Place
houseplants around your home to purify air naturally.
-
Don't
smoke indoors.
-
Remove
birds from your house for at least a week if you plan on installing new
carpeting. Ventilate your house thoroughly before allowing your birds
to return home.
-
Store
hazardous chemicals and items, such as paint, in outdoor sheds.
-
Have your
furnace serviced annually to ensure efficient and safe operation and to
minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
NASA
researchers completed a study which concluded that common household plants are
effective in reducing indoor air pollution. For more details on
recommended plants and the toxins they eliminate check out the article
NASA
Study House Plants Clean Air. Please note that some of
the plants mentioned in the study may be
hazardous to your parrot and should be kept a safe distance away to avoid
ingestion.  Print
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