How Does Air Pollution Affect Pets?

The chemical fumes from furniture and carpet cleaning products can trigger or worsen respiratory ailments in pets.


For centuries, American coal miners used caged canaries and even mice as a natural carbon monoxide and methane detection system. If their feathered and whiskered companions became notably distressed or ended up perishing, a human hazard was clearly present, prompting immediate evacuation. Unfortunately, today’s household pets share a lot in common with coal mine canaries. Spending the majority of their lives indoors, pets can be exposed to more pollutants in a suburban home than if they lived outdoors full-time in a large city. (See Reference 7)

Compromises Health

In human beings, exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution can trigger the development of respiratory infections as well as more troubling conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease. The World Health Organization links the premature death of over 2 million people annually to airborne pollution. (See Reference 3) Consider what must be happening to dogs, cats and other pets, since animals have a heightened sensitivity to foreign particulates. When pets are constantly exposed to polluted air, there is more of a likelihood that nose and throat ailments, as well as asthma and bronchitis, may develop (See Reference 5, Page 59), particularly among populations exposed to persistent, year-round air pollution, such as in Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Detroit, Philadelphia and even Portland. (See Reference 4)

Outdoor Sources

Sources of pollution are as plentiful as they are varied. Among the top outdoor air offenders are industrial, transportation and power plant-related emissions, as well as agricultural chemicals — pesticides, herbicides, ammonia-based waste products, livestock- and landfill-related methane, and fumes from waste incineration, refrigerants, radon and fuel combustion. (See References 5 and 7) Barbecue grills are also responsible for releasing greenhouse gases and airborne particulates of polyunsaturated fatty acids. (See Reference 8)

Indoor Sources

Inside the home, building materials, window, wall and floor coverings, furniture and even paint can often emit dangerous volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that pave the way for a diverse array of health complications down the road. Similarly, electronic devices and home office equipment, plastic items, ozone-generating air purifiers, scented air-freshening products, tobacco smoke and even allergens like hair, insect body parts and dust mites can all contribute to poor indoor air quality. (See References 1 and 7)

Combat Home Air Pollution

Fortunately, there are measures to take to help your family and pets breathe a lot easier. When possible, ventilate your home by allowing outside air to circulate through your windows for several hours. Utilize paint and other home improvement supplies such as curtains, carpeting, upholstery, and even wallpaper that are either made with eco-friendly components or rated as low on the VOC scale as possible. Purchase an ozone-free household air purifier or better yet, incorporate naturally filtering plants like peace lilies, weeping figs, English ivy and golden pothos into your indoor environment. (See Reference 6) Finally, commit to cleaning your home with natural preparations that use white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils, rather than mainstream chemical solvents.

About the Author

Elizah Leigh


Photo Credits

  • Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images
bibliography-icon icon for annotation tool Cite this Article