Summary: Plastic was a wonder material. It makes our lives easier, and can be produced synthetically without depleting natural resources like elephants or camphor trees. But some of the very qualities that make plastic amazing also make it potentially harmful. Dr. Charlotte Hacker, PhD is a wildlife biologist who researched the connection between plastic and cancer for an article on DogCancer.com. In this episode she talks about several of the harmful chemicals that can be in plastic or produced during the manufacturing of plastic products. She also explains what we currently know about how different chemicals can impact the endocrine system in your dog’s body and the environment at large. But don’t panic. Even though it is pretty much impossible to completely avoid plastic, there are easy strategies you can take to minimize potentially harmful plastic exposure for your dog. Links Mentioned in Today’s Show: Can Plastic Cause Cancer in Dogs? article: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/can-plastic-cause-cancer-in-dogs/ Related Links: Genetics in Canine Cancer article Acrylamide in Dog Food article Early Dog Cancer Warning Signs podcast episode Chapters: 0:00 Start 2:37 BPA and Endocrine Disruptors 9:09 Phthalates 12:19 Lead 13:45 Alkylphenols 15:18 Vinyl Chloride 17:52 History of Plastic 21:33 Plastics Degrade 24:05 Switching Out Plastic Containers 25:19 Environmental Impact 26:56 Plastic and Dog Cancer 29:37 Charlotte’s Background 33:16 Reducing Plastic Exposure for Dogs 39:31 Evolving Legislation About Today’s Guest, Dr. Charlotte Hacker: Dr. Charlotte Hacker graduated with her Masters in 2015 studying animal welfare and behavior, and her Doctorate in 2021 with a focus on the use of molecular genetic approaches to study at-risk wildlife. A conservation biologist by vocation, Charlotte’s love for all things animals started with a love for dogs. Her research interests are multifaced and include mammalian genetics, international conservation science policy, and human-animal relations. Dr. Hacker is passionate about writing, science communication, and improving the livelihoods of humans and the animals they share space with. Her hobbies include yoga, hiking, watching documentaries, and traveling. She is based in Washington, D.C., with her rescue miniature dachshund, Nittany. LinkedIn Other Links: If you would like to ask a dog cancer related question for one of our expert veterinarians to answer on a future Q&A episode, call our Listener Line at 808-868-3200. Dog Cancer News is a free weekly newsletter that contains useful information designed to help your dog with cancer. To sign up, please visit DogCancerNews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
