Physiological Effects of Softwoods on Respiratory and Liver Function

 
 Western Red Cedar
 
Ponderosa Pine
Cedar (family Arborvitae) and pine (family Pinaceae) are the most common representative softwoods.  Use of materials containing cedar or pine, or their derivatives, is of major health concern to all mammals, particularly humans and companion animals, because softwoods contain toxic aromatic hydrocarbons. 
Thuja plicata
 
Pinus ponderosa 
 
 

 
Introduction
Effects of Softwoods on Respiratory Physiology and Function
Effects of Softwoods on Liver Physiology and Function
Additional Harmful Chemicals in Softwoods
Alternative Beddings for Companion Animals
References
 
 
 
This site has been created as a part of Animal Physiology (Biology 312) at Davidson College in Davidson, NC.  It is intended to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on aromatic hydrocarbons in softwoods and to offer alternatives in the case of companion animal beddings.
Please send questions or comments to Nathaniel Cook.
Last Updated 2/20/00