Your Pet’s Environment Is Part of the Bigger Picture

When trying to better understand what may be contributing to a pet’s sensitivities, food is often the first place pet parents look. But your pet interacts with much more than what goes into their food bowl.

Pets spend time on flooring and furniture, walk across lawns and recently cleaned surfaces, play with toys, ride in vehicles, breathe the air inside and outside our homes, and come into contact with many of the same household and environmental products we use every day.

That can include everything from detergents and fragrances to paints, plastics, pesticides, automotive products, building materials, and cleaning supplies.

The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test is designed to help pet parents take a broader look at potential food and environmental factors when trying to better understand their pet’s individual sensitivities.

This reference guide breaks down many of the chemical and environmental terms pet parents may encounter, along with examples of where those substances may be found.

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Petro Chemicals
Environmental Chemicals
How This Relates to the Pet Intolerance Test
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Important: The presence of a substance in your pet’s environment does not automatically mean it is causing a sensitivity or health concern. This guide is intended as an educational reference to help pet parents better recognize potential sources of environmental exposure.

Petro Chemicals

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds produced by many organisms, including plants. They are often associated with strong physiological effects and may naturally function as a defense mechanism in plants.

Common Examples:

Alkaloids are used across medicine, pharmacology, food preparation, beverages, sanitation, and agriculture.

Benzol

Benzol is a historical term used for products consisting primarily of benzene. Benzene is a hydrocarbon found in crude oil and is also a natural component of gasoline.

It may be encountered through vehicle exhaust, smoke, industrial emissions, and a variety of household or consumer products.

Common Examples:

Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs

CFCs are man-made compounds containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They were historically used in a wide variety of industrial and household applications before being phased out because of their effect on the ozone layer. 

Common or Historical Examples:

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning uses liquid solvents rather than water to clean clothing and textiles. One commonly used solvent is tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or "perc." 

Items Commonly Dry Cleaned:

For pet parents, this may be worth considering when pets frequently sleep on, rub against, or otherwise come into contact with recently dry-cleaned textiles.

Exhaust Fumes

Exhaust fumes are produced when fuels such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, fuel oil, biodiesel, or coal are burned.

The resulting exhaust may contain a mixture of substances including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and particulate matter. 

Common Sources:

Furniture Strippers

Furniture and paint strippers use chemical solvents to loosen paint and other coatings from surfaces.

Products containing methylene chloride or high concentrations of volatile organic compounds, commonly called VOCs, may require particular care during use. 

Examples:

Keeping pets away from active stripping, refinishing, and ventilation areas is an important practical precaution.

Hexane

Hexane is a petroleum-derived chemical commonly extracted from crude oil. It is used as a solvent and can be found in both industrial and household applications. 

Common Examples:

Inorganic Industrial Chemicals

Inorganic industrial chemicals are broadly described as mineral-based substances that do not contain carbon in their molecular structure.

They are used throughout manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, coatings, fuels, pigments, surfactants, and other industries. 

Common Applications:

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane or DCM, is a volatile solvent used in a variety of industrial processes.

Historically, it was commonly associated with paint removal and surface preparation. Its use in consumer paint removers in the United States was banned beginning in 2019, although industrial applications remain. 

Possible Applications:

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, or Butanone

Methyl ethyl ketone is a volatile solvent used with coatings, resins, inks, adhesives, and other manufactured products. 

Common Examples:

Motor Oil

Motor oil is used to lubricate moving engine components and reduce friction.

Pets may potentially encounter petroleum-based automotive products through spills, garages, driveways, workshops, vehicles, or contaminated surfaces.

Common Types:

Natural Gas

Natural gas and propane appliances can release combustion byproducts into indoor air.

Cooking and heating can also introduce other air pollutants depending on the fuel source, ventilation, temperature, and materials being heated.

Common Sources:

Good ventilation can be especially important when pets spend much of their time indoors.

Paint

Paint contains pigments suspended in a liquid medium and may contain solvents and other chemical ingredients depending on the formulation.

Fumes from some paints and coatings can be irritating, particularly during painting and while the product is drying. 

Examples:

Phosphorus

Phosphorus occurs in several forms, and phosphorus compounds are widely used in manufacturing, cleaning products, fertilizers, and other applications. 

Products That May Contain Phosphorus or Phosphates:

Plastics

Most modern plastics are synthetic or semisynthetic materials made with polymers, with many derived from natural gas or petroleum.

Plastics are found throughout the average household and can also make up pet bowls, toys, packaging, food storage, and accessories. 

Common Plastic Products:

Polypropylene

Polypropylene, often abbreviated PP, is a thermoplastic polymer used extensively in consumer products and packaging.

The exact additives used in polypropylene may vary depending on the manufacturer and intended application. 

Common Examples:

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a versatile plastic material that can be manufactured in rigid or flexible forms.

It is commonly used throughout homes, vehicles, furniture, apparel, construction materials, and adhesives. 

Common Examples:

Porphyrin

Porphyrins are naturally occurring compounds involved in important biological processes, including those associated with hemoglobin.

Porphyrins are naturally occurring compounds that can also be associated with visible tear staining in dogs. Their inclusion here is a good reminder that not every substance listed should be viewed as harmful or toxic. Some occur naturally within the body and environment.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a nearly odorless liquid used for moisture, texture, consistency, and other functional purposes in a variety of products.

It may also be used to create artificial smoke or theatrical fog. 

Food Products That May Contain It:

Sterols

Sterols are naturally occurring compounds produced by plants, animals, and fungi.

They are important components of cell membranes and serve a variety of biological functions. 

Common Sources:

It is important to remember that not every compound listed here is considered harmful. Some occur naturally within biological systems or the environment.

Sulfonyl Group

Sulfonyl compounds are used in organic chemistry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, dyes, pigments, and numerous industrial applications.

Examples Include:

Carbon Tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride is an organic compound that was historically used in cleaning agents, refrigerant production, and fire extinguishers.

Many of those uses have since been phased out because of environmental and safety concerns. 

Historical Examples:

Vinyl

Vinyl is a synthetic material made from ethylene and chlorine to create polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC. 

Common Vinyl Products:

Wood Alcohol, or Methanol

Wood alcohol is another name for methanol.

Methanol can be produced from organic materials and is also widely used in manufacturing, fuels, solvents, cleaners, paints, and other chemical products. 

Common Examples:

Xylene

Xylene is a flammable solvent used throughout petroleum, manufacturing, and wood processing industries. 

Common Examples:

Environmental Chemicals

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol commonly contains isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol.

It can be found in cleaning, personal care, deicing, and disinfecting products. Rubbing alcohol should not be used on a pet’s skin at home unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

Common Examples:

Ammonia

Ammonia is used in many household cleaning formulations, including sprays and disinfecting products.

Aerosolized ammonia may be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. 

Common Examples:

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely incorporated into construction and manufacturing materials because of its heat resistance and durability.

Exposure can become a concern when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, particularly during renovation or demolition of older buildings. 

Materials That May Historically Contain Asbestos:

Benzene

Benzene is a petroleum derived chemical that may occur in fuels, smoke, industrial applications, and as a contaminant in certain consumer products.

Potential categories include:

Borax

Borax, also called sodium tetraborate, is a mineral commonly associated with household cleaning and laundry applications.

It may also be used in cosmetics and craft products.

Common Examples:

Chlorine

Chlorine is widely used in sanitation, water treatment, manufacturing, bleaching, and household cleaning.

One particularly important household safety consideration is that chlorine bleach can release chlorine gas when mixed with certain other cleaning products.

Common Examples:

Construction Chemicals

Construction chemicals include specialized additives and formulations used to improve or alter the performance of building materials.

They may be found in concrete, mortar, paints, flooring, insulation, sealants, adhesives, waterproofing systems, and coatings. 

Common Categories:

Common construction related compounds can include isocyanates, epoxy resins, amine hardeners, phthalates, formaldehyde, silicone, solvents, and flame retardants.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics include products applied to the body for cleansing, grooming, appearance, or personal care.

Depending on the formulation, cosmetic products may contain a variety of preservatives, fragrances, solvents, pigments, and other chemical ingredients. 

Examples:

For pets that spend a lot of time close to us, personal care products are another part of the shared household environment that can easily be overlooked.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in building materials, adhesives, coatings, fabrics, and numerous household products.

Pressed wood products can be one indoor source, because some use formaldehyde-based resins in their manufacture.

Common Examples:

Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide used for weed control in agriculture, forestry, landscaping, and other environments. 

Examples of Glyphosate-Based Products Listed in the Guide Include:

For pet parents, lawn and landscaping products may be an especially useful category to think about because paws regularly come into direct contact with grass, sidewalks, soil, and treated outdoor surfaces.

Kapok

Kapok is a natural plant fiber obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree. Because it is lightweight and fluffy, it is commonly used as filling in pillows, cushions, and stuffed or plush toys, which may include some pet toys.

Common Uses:

Lignin Sulfonate

Lignin sulfonate, also called lignosulfonate, is derived from lignin found naturally in woody plants.

It is produced as a byproduct of certain paper manufacturing processes and has applications in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, cosmetics, and other industries.

Common Applications:

Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate is also known as washing soda or soda ash.

It occurs naturally but is also produced industrially and is used across cleaning, food production, manufacturing, water treatment, and other applications. 

Common Examples:

Toluene

Toluene is an aromatic solvent found naturally in crude oil and produced during petroleum refining.

It is widely used in paints, coatings, adhesives, automotive products, and household applications.

Common Examples:

How Does This Relate to Your Pet’s Intolerance Test?

One of the biggest takeaways from this list is simply how broad a pet’s environment can be.

It is easy to think about your pet’s food, treats, and supplements because those are things you intentionally give them. Environmental exposure can be much less obvious.

Consider everything your pet interacts with during a normal day:

Their food and water bowls
Their toys
The floor beneath their paws
Laundry detergent used on their bedding
Furniture and upholstery
Cleaning products used around the house
Fragrances and personal care products
Your vehicle
The lawn and landscaping
Paint, flooring, and building materials
Outdoor air and exhaust

That does not mean you need to eliminate everything around your pet or become afraid of everyday products.

Instead, the goal is to have more information.

The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test can help pet parents take a broader look at food and environmental factors when they are trying to determine what may be worth adjusting in their pet's routine.

Rather than endlessly changing foods or removing products at random, your pet's results can give you more direction about which factors may deserve a closer look.

Explore the Pet Intolerance Test

What Should You Do If Something Appears on Your Pet’s Results?

First, remember that an intolerance result does not automatically mean a substance is dangerous or that your pet can never encounter it again.

Look at your pet's actual environment.

If an environmental factor appears on the results, ask yourself:

Where could my pet realistically encounter this?

A result involving chlorine, for example, might make you think about cleaning products, pool water, or treated water, but did you know chlorine is also used in paper products?

A result involving glyphosate may make lawn and landscaping products worth reviewing.

A response involving plastics may make you take a closer look at bowls, food storage containers, toys, or other materials your pet regularly uses.

A paint or solvent-related result could be especially relevant if you recently painted, remodeled, refinished furniture, or brought new building materials into the home.

Context matters.

The purpose is not to remove every possible source. It is to use your pet's results alongside what you already know about their lifestyle to make more informed decisions.

Small Changes Can Make Your Pet’s Environment Easier to Understand

If you are trying to narrow down possible environmental factors, avoid changing everything at once.

Instead, make thoughtful changes one at a time whenever possible.

You might:

Choose unscented household products when practical.

Keep pets away from freshly painted or refinished areas until they are fully ventilated and dry.

Allow cleaned floors and surfaces to dry before pets walk across them.

Store automotive, lawn, and household chemicals securely.

Wash pet bedding regularly using a simple routine.

Pay attention to seasonal lawn treatments, pest control applications, renovations, or other changes in the home.

Keep a simple record of changes you make.

The fewer variables you change at once, the easier it becomes to understand what may actually be making a difference.

Download the Complete Chemical Facts and Examples Guide

Want to keep this information handy?

We created a more detailed Chemical Facts and Examples Reference Guide that brings these terms, descriptions, and common examples together in one place.

Use it alongside your pet's Pet Intolerance Test results whenever you encounter an unfamiliar chemical or environmental factor.

Open the Chemical Facts and Examples Guide PDF

The downloadable guide includes the full Petrochemicals and Environmental Chemicals reference tables shown throughout this article, including household, automotive, construction, cleaning, personal care, outdoor, and industrial examples. 

Ready to Take a Closer Look at Your Pet’s Food and Environment?

Understanding your pet's routine goes beyond looking at a single ingredient or product.

The Glacier Peak Holistics Pet Intolerance Test can provide another piece of the puzzle by helping you explore food and environmental factors that may be worth paying closer attention to.