A while ago I wrote a post about hyperthyroidism in cats.  The US Environmental Protection Agency recently teamed up to do a study on how household dust containing a common flame retardant may be linked to an increase in cats getting sick from overactive thyroid glands.  The study looked at chemicla flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which were used in foam, plastics, furniture, electronics, fabrics and carpet padding. The sole American manufacturer in 2004 agreed to phase out the types of PBDEs included in the study because of concern about toxicity in animals but PBDEs in homes.  Twenty three cats were studied and some were found to have high levels of certain PBDEs and tended to have overactive thyroid glands.  Now as you read in my earlier article hyperthyroidism is somewhat treatable.   

The EPA is suggesting that people shouldn't overreact as the study is so preliminary so don't go selling your furniture or get rid of your carpets just yet but make sure you check labels when buying new stuff and wash what you can more frequently to reduce the amount of dust in your home.