If you have a pet at home, you wont be a stranger to the problems of fleas.  When pets start to itch uncontrollably, it´s time for pet owners to reach for a flea collar or any other treatments that target ticks.  But would pet owners be so quick to buy, if they knew some flea collars contain toxic chemicals which could not only harm pets but also the people around them?

In April 2009, a study conducted by the American Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), reported that high levels of pesticide residue can remain on a dog's or cat's fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on an animal. Residue levels produced by some flea collars are so high that they pose a risk of cancer and damage to the neurological system of children up to 1,000 times higher than the EPA's acceptable levels.

The research showed the alarming fact that children were particularly at risk from these pesticides because their neurological and metabolic systems were still developing. Children are also more likely than adults to put their hands in their mouths after petting an animal, and so are more likely to ingest the hazardous residues.

On of the ingredient is Propoxur, a widely used broad spectrum carbamate insecticide mainly used to control household pests.  The US state of California has already determined that propoxur causes cancer and that consumer warnings are required. NRDC is suing major manufacturers and retailers of flea collars containing propoxur and is putting pressure to make them comply with health regulations or pull their products from Californian shelves.

In the UK, a cat and dog loving nation, sales of flea and tick chemical treatments soar each Spring.  Pet owners purchase products in their local pet stores, at the supermarkets or at the Veterinary clinics.  Although labels show the ingredients contained in the products, it is often misleading and for too many buyers, the label looks like a coktail of unknown chemicals.   

So are our neighbours across the pond exagerating the potential risks of utilising such products?  Cooltribe asks Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) for their views on flea control and Propoxur and this is what they had to say:

"It’s true that propoxur is a neurotoxin and a probable carcinogen. Only two products containing propoxur are available in the UK, both spray-on flea treatments rather than collars, and they come with a number of warnings, e.g. they should not be used during pregnancy, and treated animals should not be allowed to sleep with people, especially children. We can’t comment on how big a risk it poses, but given that there are these concerns, we would suggest trying other control measures first."

PAN UK added:

"You need to treat the environment as well as your pet, by hoovering thoroughly and often, and washing pets’ bedding, rugs etc, regularly. If your home is infested, you may need to clean or steam your carpets. Flea combing your pet can also help: have a container of soapy water nearby to drown any fleas that you pick up. If these measures are not sufficient, flea treatments containing an ‘insect growth inhibitor’, such as lufenuron, are much safer. These stop the flea larvae from reaching adulthood and laying eggs, so they work more slowly than a traditional insecticide, but are effective in the long run. If you feel you must use an insecticide, then do so with care, as little as possible, and following all safety instructions." 

So PAN UK seems to take a more balanced approach than their American counterpart.  For more flea control advice, please check the following websites:
 
http://www.pesticide.org/fleas.html and http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7419.html