Bird’s lungs are designed to be extremely efficient at absorbing oxygen, which unfortunately means they also quickly absorb toxins. Combined with their small size and high metabolism, this means that only a small amount of toxin can kill a bird. The coating in non-stick cookware contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a compound that can be deadly to birds. At normal cooking temperatures (250°F to 450°F), with a vent fan on, PTFE-coated pans are safe. But they can release toxic fumes when:  A PTFE-coated pan boils dry or is heated while empty. Never boil water in a PTFE coated pan. Used as a drip pan under burners. PTFE releases toxic chemicals starting at 536°F, and drip pans can easily reach 600°F or hotter. Scratched. Scratched or otherwise damaged non-stick pans can release toxic chemicals at lower temperatures. Throw them out. PTFE is not just used in cookware, but also in many products that must withstand high temperatures. Consider replacing any of the following, or call the manufacturer to see if the product is safe for use around your bird:  Stain repellants like StainMaster and Scotchguard Space heaters and heat lamp covers Non-stick irons and ironing board covers Hair dryers Non-stick cooking devices like griddles, waffle makers, electric skillets, bread makers, and popcorn poppers Non-stick slow cookers Ceramic cooking stoves PTFE coated products are the most common source of toxicity for birds, but far from the only one. The following can prove fatal to your bird:  Carbon monoxide – Invisible, tasteless, and odorless, carbon monoxide is produced by fires, automobile exhaust, and central heating units. Even if you don’t have a bird, you should have a carbon monoxide detector in your home to protect you and your family. Natural gas – If you use gas for heat or cooking, a leak in the line or an unlit pilot light can result in high levels of natural gas that can prove fatal for birds (and deadly for people). Check your pilots regularly, and position your bird’s cage far from sources of natural gas like fireplaces or heaters.  Overheated cooking surfaces. Don’t heat oil or butter on high, as this can produce dangerous fumes. And take your bird out of the house if using the “self clean” mode on your oven. Hair sprays, perfumes, spray-on cooking oil. Basically, anything that sprays, particularly aerosols, can release chemicals that are dangerous to your bird. Move your bird to a separate, well-ventilated room before using these products. Pesticides like bug bombs or insect sprays. Organic solvents found in nail polish remover, gasoline, glue, paint, or mothballs. Ammonia is found in many household cleaners, particularly glass cleaners, and can cause respiratory difficulty in birds. When combined with bleach in cleaning products, it produces chloramine gas, which is highly toxic. Try using these cleaners instead:  Dishwashing soap and water White vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar per 2 gallons of water) Steam from a handheld steamer Laundry detergent for fabrics (but don’t use fabric softener on fabrics your bird will touch) Grapefruit seed extract (about 35 drops ber 32oz. of water), makes for an effective disinfectant  Baking soda (1/4 cup per gallon of water) Your bird should be taken outside or to another, well-ventilated room when using plug-in or spray air fresheners, as they contain essential oils that are toxic to birds. Many scented candles are also dangerous, as they contain essential oils and often have zinc alloy wicks. If you are going to burn candles, make sure they are 100% beeswax with all cotton wicks. Exposure to second hand smoke has been shown to cause respiratory and circulatory problems in birds, as well as eye and skin problems. If you are going to smoke, do so outside to protect your bird. Most particleboard, plywood, and drywall use formaldehyde in the glue that holds them together. The glue that holds down carpets can also contain formaldehyde. New construction, new carpeting, and many types of furniture need time to “off-gas” before they cease releasing formaldehyde, so do not place your bird in a newly constructed room, a newly-carpeted room, or in a room with new furniture built with particle board or plywood.
توخ الحذر عند استخدام أواني الطهي غير اللاصقة وأواني الخبز. كن حذرًا من مصادر مركب PTFE لا يستخدم تلك المركب فقط في أواني الطهي، لكن أيضًا في منتجات آخرى التي تصمد على درجات حرارة عالية. احذر من الغازات السامة الآخرى. تجنب استخدام المنظفات المنزلية التي تحتوي على الأمونيا. كن حذرًا عند استخدام الشموع وملطفات الجو. لا تدخن حول طائرك. اختر الآثاث والمنتجات المنزلية بعناية.