Taxidermy Chemical Question

[2 Full Curls]

I was recently informed by a work associate (I work in the environmental engineering field) that taxidermy molds may emit the chemical trans-DCE into homes (this was determined from a vapor intrusion research project). Trans-DCE is a chlorinated solvent and a suspected carcinogen. I knew that dry-cleaned clothes and gun-cleaner also release TCE (another chlorinated carcinogen) into homes, but I had never heard of the trans-DCE issue before.

 

I was wondering if any taxidermists out there had ever heard of this? Supposedly the chemical may be released from the actual taxidermy molds. My house is filled with mounts and I am planning on sampling for this chemical in my indoor air. I am hoping that I do not find anything.... I know we are subjected to stuff all day and that my cell phone may one day give me cancer, but I am still curious to find out if these findings have validity.

[swwildlife]

WOW, another new thing that will kill us! I know that if the foam is burnt it emits a toxic gas that is very deadly, even in small quantities. As far as the constant emmision of something bad. I have my doubts. I have worked in shops for 30 plus years with at any given time at least 75-100 forms and mount all around me. and nothing bad has happened yet. If there were something to it, you would think that over the years taxidermist would die or become sick at a higher rate than a person that is not around forms. When I first got into this business I was at the tail end of real bad stuff. Asbestos for filler, arsnic as a bug proofer. and many of the old timers I know are still alive.

with that said I'm still interested in what you find out. please keep me posted.

Jim

[billrquimby]

Isn't the foam that is injected into taxidermy foams the same stuff they spray between studs to insulate homes? If so, and it is as toxic as you say, wouldn't it have have been banned by building codes long ago?

 

Bill Quimby

[Kilimanjaro]

You mean this football sized goiter jutting from my neck Isn't normal??

[2 Full Curls]

Jim,

 

Thanks for your response, I couldn't agree more with your comment about "the old timers still being alive". It boils down to what are you really going to do...? Go into a shell and avoid all of society together?

 

There is absolutely no way to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals altogether... we all experience them on a daily basis. It may be the cheap plastic used to make your desk printer that emits vapors, or it could simply be the jar of peanut butter sitting in your pantry containing aflatoxins. I still use my printer, and I still love to eat peanut butter. What I try to do is avoid prolonged exposure to high doses of nasty things.

 

I will continue to have mounts made of my trophies, but I am curious to see if there is a chemical emitting at high doses. I will certainly let you know what I find out.