Teflon

[curiousbird]

I recently read that teflon can emit fumes that can kill birds. I am nervous because I have cookware with a non-stick coating. To my knowledge it is not the name brand teflon, but I am still concerned. While reading about taflon, I came across many other scents that are harmful. I am concerned because I am a college student who will be moving into an appartment soon. I am worried that even if I don't use harmful scents like candles, hairspray, teflon, etc. that my neighbors might. Can that still harm my bird? Also, what do you all do about things like hairspray, or other common household items that could be harmful? Please let me know.

[ninjacherry]

As long as your building has proper ventilation, I don't see how your neighbors teflon/febreeze use would be enough to harm your bird... I live in an apartment with my plet without problems. I'd keep any sprays & scented products away from my bird to be on the safe side, but when in doubt you can check the items for advisories (air fresheners do caution you not to use them near birds) or look up the specific item online to make sure it's OK.

To be honest, I'm not sure if any of those things are very good for humans either... We probably just take a lot longer exposure before we notice the effects because of our size and metabolism.

[maryavnmom]

Over heated Teflon kills birds. This includes all teflon like coatings. I doubt that the neighbors use of such products will affect your birds.

[bookworm]

i think you'll be fine w/ neighbors that use nonstick. i live in an apt and i'm sure most people here have non stick. i got rid of my nonstick pans and pots and replaced them w/ stainless steel. i know buying new pots and pans all at once can be pricey, but you can slowly replace items, starting w/ the ones you use a lot first.

[GRANNYAT50]

We were very careful but when we found a good deal on stainless steel cookware we jumped on it.

[Bird Lady]

You are right about the toxic air we humans breathe. I' sure your bird will be safe from your neighbors but you do have to watch for yourself. Don't use sprays, air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning solutions, there is an endless list. Consider, there are 160 toxic chemicals in glade candles alone. Do we wan to breathe this air. When you hear things like that, you don't have to wonder for long about why we have such things as cancers, etc. I have found I can replace a lot of things with more natural products that won't harm anyone. As for hairspray, just don't spray it around her and let it dry before you get around her. She'll do fine. Oh, you are going away to college? I guess you'll have to pass on growing hemp seeds for her. It would be hard to explain that they were for your bird. lol