Febreze warning reponse

["April Lee" <adlee@bigfoot.com>]

This is in response to the Febreze warning.  You can find this text at
http://urbanlegends.miningco.com/library/blfebrez.htm?pid=2733&cob=home

April
Chattanooga, TN
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Guide's note:   Febreze, a Procter & Gamble product not widely available in
the U.S. until last year, is described by its manufacturer as a "one-step
odor cleaning system [that] eliminates common odors such as pet, smoke,
cooking, and musty smells."

The email warnings about its alleged toxic threat to pets began circulating
in January. Note that it refers to "multiple instances" of dogs and birds
dying or becoming ill from exposure to the product, but cites no names,
dates, or locations to permit verification of these incidents.

According to the pet safety page posted by Febreze in response to the
rumors, research indicates that the product, used according to directions,
poses no serious health threat to pets.

The ASPCA's National Animal Poison Control Center agrees. A veterinarian I
spoke with there said that it has not been able to confirm any cases of
Febreze causing the death or serious injury of pets. The Center has issued
the following statement:

Veterinary toxicologists at the ASPCA National Animal Poison Center are
conducting an on-going investigation into claims that use of Febreze in the
home caused the death of several pets. All information reviewed to date
suggests that there is no evidence that Febreze represents any risk to pets
when used according to label instructions. Presently, the center considers
the product safe to use in households with pets. As with any cleaning
product, the center recommends that birds be removed from the room until the
product application has dried and the area has been ventilated. Please call
1-800-345-4735 if you have any questions or have a pet that you suspect is
experiencing problems or visit us at www.napcc.aspca.org

- ASPCA/NAPCC Letter Regarding Febreze
The Center also told me that while zinc chloride (one of the ingredients in
Febreze) can be toxic in large amounts, it comprises less than 1% of the
formulation of the product and is not considered to be a hazard, contrary to
allegations in the email warnings. Procter & Gamble says it began producing
an improved Febreze formula in December 1998 which does not contain the
chemical.

All sources, including the Animal Poison Control Center, agree that birds
are extraordinarily sensitive to household chemicals and perfumes, and
special care should be taken around them with all such products. The Parrot
Parrot avian health page warns:

...most avian specialists would advise bird owners to avoid exposing their
companion birds to any strong chemicals, particularly aerosolized chemicals,
due to the delicate nature of their lungs. If you use any sprays or scented
products it is advisable that you remove birds from the environment until
the smell has completely subsided (at least 2-3 hours).
Two things to note: Febreze is not sold in the form of an aerosol spray -
it's a water-based pump spray; and while there have been consumer reports of
bird injury or death blamed on Febreze, none have so far been authenticated.

If you think this product has caused injury to your pet, call the Febreze
Customer Service Line at 1-800-308-EASY(3279) or the National Animal Poison
Control Center at 1-800-345-4735.



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