Why is it important to read labels on products before using them. The Hartz Mountain
Corporation  recently  settled a suit over a girl who died while shampooing her dog. 
The young girl suffered a fatal asthma attack which was brought on by  Hartz' Two-in-One
Rid Flea Shampoo according to her family.  
  The Environmental Protection Agency said two similar cases were reported in 1991 and 
1994, but they did not involve any Hartz shampoos. The EPA is considering requiring a warning 
label on the pet products. 
 Among other stipulations in the suit, the parents wanted Hartz to warn customers that an
ingredient in the shampoo (pyrethrin) could cause breathing problems when used indoors. 
The company has denied its product caused the asthma attack.
  Everyday in this country people use common household products that can and often do 
cause breathing difficulties. Many times it is ignorance of what the product contains or that
they do not understand the problems that can arise when mixing chemicals. Many times it
is a far more simpler reason.....they can’t read the labels.
  The common problem is lack of interest in what we are doing to our bodies and the bodies
of those we love. Be that children or animals. We believe what we are told in advertising and
mainly follow along like sheep.
  LABELS are for reading. They tell us lots of things. They contain words like DANGER and
WARNING. This is not just for fun it is serious. In the workplace employees are protected
by rules set out by OSHA. This government agency was designed to oversee the workplace
and help eliminate work place accidents and illness. In the home we the adults are the first
line of defense.
  Children should be monitored while doing adult chores. The products that they use should
be researched thoroughly. If there is a reaction to a product then it should be removed from
the home. I consider bathing the dog or cat an adult chore or at the very least an adult
monitored chore. Heck, I know adults who should be monitored while bathing the pet.
They rush and leave shampoo in the coat which can cause irritation to the pet.
  As a professional pet care person we are required to have an MSDS  [material safety
data sheet] sheet on all the products we use in our day to day business. These sheets tell
us what types of problems have or could occur when using the product. We have a rule
in my business. If the products causes a problem to just one person we stop using it. It
is better to be safe than sorry. Itchy watery eyes, scratching, wheezing, sneezing and reddening of
the skin where the product comes in contact are all warning signs. The products should not
be used.
  Try reading the label of some of the things under the sink or in the cleaning materials cabinet.
You are in for a surprise. You will also notice an 1-800 number on it for questions. When you
call there is another surprise...they will ask if you are requesting an MSDS sheet. If you or
a member of your family are experiencing a problem with a product....ask for the MSDS
sheet and keep on file. It will tell the doctor or veterinarian what the treatment of record
is for the product. It will also help you make a informed decision on whether you want to
continue using that product in your home. Remember as the adult you are the first line of
defense for children and pets.