Does your dog like to play with or drink water from the garden hose?I know my sis Gracie does, it's one of her favorite summer activities, besides agility of course!
But there are dangers lurking in some of the garden hoses on the market that you need to know about.
The Ecology Center, a membership-based, nonprofit environmental organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, conducted a recent study of toxic chemicals in gardening products.
They found "high amounts of lead, phthalates and the toxic chemical BPA were all found in the water of a new hose after sitting outside in the sun for just a few days," according to researchers at the Ecology Center. They also indicate that "such chemicals have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births and early puberty in laboratory animals, among other serious health problems." Read more about the study.
1. Purchase only PVC, lead free and drinking water safe hoses available on the market that won't harbor dangerous chemicals. We've added a few options below.
2. Let the water run for a about 15 seconds before drinking, since the water that sits in the hose contains the most unwanted elements and be sure to store your hose out of the sun and heat.
3. Find more tips on safer hoses from HealthyStuff.org.
Be safe, be safer!
Camco 22833 Premium Drinking Water Hose (5/8"ID x 25')
Wow! I would never have even thought of that! Were going to share your post on our weekly blog round up to help spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI found this very helpful thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, didn't know that. Thanks for the information. So bathing a dog in a tub outside has its danger. Better let the water run for 15 secs before filling the tub with water. You never know when it's going to take a drink.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful article and not too many people pay attention to the dangers. I found something really cool called the WaterDog.
ReplyDeleteCheck it out:
http://www.entirelypets.com/waterdog.html
Love your ideas from this site. I'm glad you're letting people know about some of these things to look out for.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for letting us know!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I had not really thought about this particular issue either. I know we have a hose that sits outside, I will have to check what it's made of and keep it out of the sun. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI like the blog!
I would have never guessed that there would be that many chemicals in the hose. My dog loves drinking out of the hose so much I installed a <a href="http:www.dawsondogs.com/catalog/item/8508403/9349453.htm>motion sensor drinking fountain for her</a>. She loves the fresh water especially on these how summer days.
ReplyDeleteMeh, the initial water that sat in the hose in the hot sun? Sure, might have picked up something nasty. Once the water runs cold its coming right out of tap and will be moving way too fast to pick up anything worth worrying about. Not worth buying a whole new hose over.
ReplyDeleteActually, we disagree Anon. Cold water running through can still pick up some nasty chemicals.
ReplyDelete