Different pictures here are with inside and outside light.
I have linked the images here to the brand of kitty litter mentioned in the post. This linking does NOT constitute a recommendation, but has been done so you can see the product “in the wild” on Amazon. I do NOT recommend buying this product under any circumstances.
Below is the XRF test result summary for Arm & Hammer Super Scoop Fragrance Free Clumping Litter (purchased in January of 2019):
- Lead (Pb): 15 +/- 6 ppm
- Barium (Ba): 109 +/- 28 ppm
- Zinc (Zn): 49 +/- 11 ppm
- Iron (Fe): 21,300 +/- 500 ppm
- Bismuth (Bi): 23 +/- 6 ppm
- Vanadium (V): 210 +/- 23 ppm
- Titanium (Ti): 480 +/- 37 ppm
- Platinum (Pt): 69 +/- 25 ppm
- Magnesium (Mn): 551 +/- 130 ppm
This litter sample (that was sent to me by one of my readers) was tested twice for a minimum of 180 seconds each test (3 minutes) to confirm the levels. The results for test #1 are above, the Lead reading for the second test was comparable coming in at:
- Lead (Pb): 20 +/- 7 ppm
I would not use any kitty litter that tests positive for any amount of Lead. A lead dust hazard can be toxic at levels below what is detectable with an XRF instrument. The fact that this is a high-dust product that is positive for Lead is actually more concerning than (for example) a dish or other kitchen item that might be positive for lead in the glaze, but that is not creating dust. You can read more about that concern by clicking this link.
Here’s an affiliate link to a Lead-free kitty litter option (a brand I have tested and found to be Lead-free and would anticipate being Lead-free in the future) on Amazon: LINK
To see more kitty litter brands that I have tested, Click HERE.
As always, thank you for reading and for sharing my posts.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all.
Tamara Rubin
#LeadSafeMama
*Amazon links are affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of my links I may receive a small percentage of what you spend at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my advocacy work in this way. [I have linked the images here to the brand of kitty litter mentioned in the post. This linking does NOT constitute a recommendation, but has been done so you can see the product “in the wild” on Amazon.]
Different pictures here are with inside and outside light.
I use this one and it says it’s Dust-free, dye-freeand scent-free, 100% natural,
mineral-based silica. I hope it’s good! https://kittypooclub.com/
And that’s been creating loads of dust in our laundry room for AGES. As in, YEARS. My god. How on earth do I clean it up?
I need to get my kids tested.
Hi Sabrina,
I think if you have been using a kitty litter like this for a while it would be worth getting your family (and your kitty) tested.
I would clean anything that is dusty from the kitty little with warm water and soap – and ideally with disposable rags or Clorox wipes, you can see a little video with me doing that here: https://tamararubin.com/2017/05/clorox/
Ironically – I recommend that brand’s products for laundry – but not for kitty litter: https://tamararubin.com/2017/12/detergent/
Tamara
Tamara
How can the dust level be higher than what is directly tested in the actual litter? What would you imagine the dust level in ppm would be? Also is it dangerous for my son to play with the cats that use this litter? He doesn’t live in a house that has cats but he visits the grandparents house that uses cheap litter about once a week. (Sometimes less.)
Hi Becca, please read the post linked below.
Dust levels are not measured in ppm.
The amount of lead in dust that is considered toxic is too small to be measured with an XRF instrument.
The fact that this is a dusty product that is positive for lead EVEN WITH an XRF instrument (at levels high enough to be detected by an XRF instrument) is quite concerning because that will likely result in very high dust levels in a home.
Dust levels in a home are measured in micrograms of lead in dust per square foot.
Here’s my post with more information about that: https://tamararubin.com/2019/03/the-sugar-packet-analogy-how-much-lead-dust-does-it-take-to-poison-a-child/
Tamara
I have specific concerns for the cats that use this type of litter. I expect that a higher level of incidence of kidney failure and death by kidney complications would be seen if the cats who use this type of litter are tested.
Children who play with cats who use this litter can also be exposed to unsafe levels of lead, plus the cats can track unsafe levels of lead in the dust around the house on their paws.
Given cats lick their paws – I think it is more likely to impact the cats than the children, but read this post too to see more about the concern for children: https://tamararubin.com/2018/12/question-does-kitty-litter-have-lead-answer-yes-it-may-and-if-it-does-its-a-big-problem-heres-why/
Tamara
OMG!!! Tamara,does Baking soda of Arm&Hammer also contain lead??? I use it to wash dishes for my baby… And also use it instead of antiperspirant…I’m shocked as I breastfeed my son. This is like a nightmare(((
It’s the clay in the litter I think. The baking soda is not the concern here.
Correct
Has Purina Tidy Cats free & clean unscented litter been tested? Both regular and light weight. Thank you.
That is a clay-based litter so you could just assume it has some amount of lead. I avoid clay based litter and silica (not because of lead) litter. I tried a few litters (wood, walnut shell, wheat, etc) and my cat accepted sWheat Scoop the best.