Smoke and Fumes

Amphibians, especially, are very sensitive to airborne toxins, since their skin is very permeable. The following should all be considered dangerous around herps:

• Smoke from any source is hazardous. Secondhand smoke from cigars and cigarettes can cause chronic eye, skin, and respiratory disease. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Tobacco is also toxic, so remove any whole or smoked cigars or cigarettes before allowing your herp access to a room. Marijuana is also toxic.
• Gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, and other petroleum products.
• Paint, wood stains and preservatives, mineral spirits, turpentine, paint remover, paint thinner, and other solvents.
• Cleaning supplies and disinfectants including bleach, phenols, ammonia, pine oil, spot remover, window cleaning solution, floor and furnisher polish.
• Scented candles, potpourri, tea tree oils, essential oils, air fresheners.
• Perfumes, hairsprays, room deodorizers, deodorant, nail polish remover - anything with a propellant.
• Other items that can give off fumes such as glues, permanent markers, and mothballs.

Do not use the above items in the presence of herps, especially amphibians. If they are being used in larger areas of the house, it is best to remove the herp from the house temporarily.

Other Toxins or Hazards

In addition to those mentioned, there are many other potential toxins that are found in and around many homes. Since herps can absorb chemicals through their skin, always wash your hands well after having contact with any possible poison.

• Protect your herp from: Jewelry, button batteries, coins, fishing tackle, pins, and other small metallic items that can cause mouth injuries, damage, or obstruction of the digestive tract, or toxicity.
• Toxic houseplants.
• Poisonous heavy metals include zinc, lead, and arsenic, which are surprisingly common in a household.
• Zinc is present in galvanized metal such as nails, staples, and solder. It may also be present in zinc oxide skin preparations, such as Desitin and sunblock containing zinc oxide; calamine lotion; suppositories; shampoos; zinc undecylenate (Desenex); and fertilizers. Be sure to wash your hands after using these items and before handling your herp.
• Lead is present in lead-containing paint, linoleum, tile, batteries, plumbing materials, putty, lead foil, solder, and acid (soft) drinking water from lead pipes or improperly glazed ceramic water bowls.
• Arsenic is a highly poisonous metal used in insecticides, pesticides, rodenticides, weed killers, wood preservatives, some insulation, and some alloys.
• Other poisons, such as herbicides (weed killers), snail and slug bait, insecticides (flea and tick control products), pesticides (ant poison), and rodenticides (rat poison). Be careful with mouse traps, too.

Summary

It may seem like a daunting task to make your home herp safe, but it can be done. Remain on the lookout for potential hazards, regularly check each room of the house, and daily monitor your herp for any signs of illness. Being on the safe side will help your herp live a longer and healthier life with you.