What is in pine and cedar bedding that makes it cause respiratory problems?

Question

i know that your not supposed to use it now but like three years ago, i used it all the time in my passed three hamster and they all live at least three years. why is so dangerous to there lungs??????? and what makes aspen so different?

Answer 1

The phenols in the wood, or aromatic oils. They are the reason that cedar and pine repel fleas and other insects. They destroy the cells lining the trachea and lungs. It's always possible for hamsters to survive on them, but they are damaging and small animals, birds, any animals have a much larger chance of death when they are used.

It actually also affects humans, although not to the same extent of course. People who work among pine and cedar have a higher incidence of asthma than others who work in other dusty areas, or in areas with no dust at all.

EDIT: I agree with you!! Y!Answers is a really wonderful tool. I've learned a lot of what I know about small animals here, some things challenging what I thought I knew! & it's always nice to share that with other people when they come asking the same questions that I once asked!

P.S. I'm glad you're asking "why" here. A lot of information people just accept as true without wondering why it is so. Hooray for curious minds. :]

Answer 2

maybe that sap....pine and cedar woods are very moist or sappy, oily woods.  so maybe its like a tar for their lungs.  b/c the sap sort of coats their lungs like tar.  

Answer 3

Cedar contains phenols that have been linked to liver and respiratory problems in hamsters. Pine bedding contain allergy irritants and the dust settles in your hamster's lungs. This causes upper respiratory problems and can shorten your hamsters life span, as well.

You should also avoid any scented bedding material as it can irritate your hamster. Bedding material made from corn cobs should be avoided for two reasons: first, they tend to go moldy; second, hamsters have been known to eat them and the cobs can then swell when they become wet inside the hamster’s stomach.

But beyond that, you should be looking to give your hamster the best care you can provide. If you know that cedar and pine beddings can hurt your hamster, don't use it! The best commercial bedding available is Carefresh pet bedding, which is made from recycled paper materials that lasts and absorbs order.

Answer 4

Pine and Cedar have a dangerous chemical called Phenols. Aspen bedding does not have this.

Answer 5

The phenols in them:

http://www.guinealynx.info/bedding.html