The flaming discussion over using plastic for pet bowls and pet fountains has targeted nearly exclusively on the direct negative effects of plastic on the animals using those bowls, specifically pet fountains and in the pet fountain market, especially cat fountains.
It has long been known that plastic water bowls can give cats chin acne, which can manifest symptoms from blackheads to large draining pustules and a complete swelling in the lips, but whether it be the plastic itself or the fact that plastic acts like a magnet for bacteria which accumulate inside the scratches that invariably happen in plastic is not clear. The actual final outcome of the majority of vets is, “steer clear of plastic water bowls”, rather than only because of the potential for chin acne.
In accordance with Ecology Center, an internet resource for ecology and community issues, an internet resource center, this list of seriously negative effects from direct toxicity of plastic is enormous and extreme. Many of these are:
From polyvinylchloride (PVC); Cancer, delivery defects, skin area diseases, liver problems
From DEHP, DINP as well as other plastic material elements; Endocrine dysfunction, bronchial asthma, developmental defects
From Polycarbonate with Bisphenol A #7; Cancers, immune impairment, diabetes
As well as the list goes on to specify over an additional half dozens aspects of plastics along with their associated unwanted effects.
But this is simply one part of the risks of plastic and the usage of plastic articles. “One of the primary difficulties with plastic”, Ecology Center tells us, “besides there being so much of it-is that it doesn’t biodegrade. No natural process can break it down.”
The negative results of this fact are immeasurable. Particularly affected are marine life (a lot plastic eventually ends up inside the ocean), including albatross. “Two hundred thousand albatrosses die every year, many from being fed plastic by their parents who mistake it for food” says a La Times article.
The side effects of plastics starts off with their production and the a lot of pollutants that enter the atmosphere, and continues on, potentially, for thousands of years. Plastic is very resilient that even burying it deep inside the earth doesn’t keep it from impacting the surroundings. Currently it makes up about approximately 10 % of generated waste, almost all of which is landfilled. But placing plastics in a landfill may just be storing a problem in the future, as plastic’s chemicals often sink into nearby land, contaminating groundwater.
In addition, creation of plastics is a major user of fossil fuels. Eight percent of world oil production goes toward manufacturing plastics.
Obviously plastics have grown to be absolutely essential and can be a great material for long lasting products but many plastic submissions are designed for onetime or limited time use and a great number of articles which do not need to get manufactured from plastic – other materials can be purchased – and better in several ways, are proven damaging to pets and humans. Pet fountains are among these.
In some regions of consumption and for many products, we have no choice, but where we do, we need to exercise our better judgment and avoid plastics which may harm us or our pets. Neal of Plastics Europe said consumers, not lijjxc industry, are responsible. “Within my view the responsibility is fairly and squarely on the consumer,” he stated.
In the arena of pet fountains, you can find metal, glass and ceramic bowls and fountains and these is a far healthier choice more than a plastic pet fountain. Not only will you as well as your pet be secure from the harmful effects of a plastic fountain, you will not be leading to the pollution in the planet when the plastic fountain ceases to operate and should be discarded.