Respiratory sensitivity question

[Leahzebelle]

Ever since i got my first parakeet i've been absolutely paranoid about smells. If i smell anything even faintly im tracking it down around my apartment to figure out what it is. I also live in a building where at least once every two days, smoke comes through the windows from a resident smoker. I immediately shut the windows, or turn on an outwardly blowing fan. I'm also curious about the smell of cooking food. I know smoke, teflon, burning food in general is dangerous, and I haven't used a candle or air freshener in over a year.

So in short, my questions are:
Is the diluted smoke coming in from the windows enough to hurt my babies, even when i immediately take action to reverse it?

And when i'm cooking things on the stove, like burgers in a pan for example, or potatos in the oven. Is the smell of the cooking food dangerous? Are there hidden toxins in there that i'm not aware of? Today i boiled water for hard boiled eggs, but only after i removed all my babies from the living room. Am i over reacting?

 

[suncon97]

I think you might be over reacting a little bit. As far as food smells I don't think you have to worry too much there. I would be more worried about the smoke. Have your birds ever had any reactions to any of these things that concern you? If not I would say you're doing good with what your doing. I have my baby grey outside of the kitchen and we use stainless steel. We have had no issues.

 

[Leahzebelle]

None of them have ever shown any reactions to anything so far, thankfully.

 

[suncon97]

Okay. I would say you're okay then. Just be careful with the smoke and cook on low settings just to be safe I noticed you mentioned the oven too. Never use the self clean function with birds inside(I'm sure you already know that) I just wanted to be sure.

If I'm wrong somebody please correct me.

 

[mele]

LOL!!! I am the same way. Im afraid of my birds getting sick. I am very sensitive to smells myself because many things will trigger my migrains. So I understand the worry.
Im very paranoid about dangerous fumes coming into my house. I hate when my neighbors BBQ because the fumes still come in through the vents from the air conditioner. It seems like they call the whole neighborhood and have a BBQ at the same time. I also close doors and move the birds to the other end of the house before I start any meals. I don't have any dangerous cookware but I dont want to take any chances. I use baby safe organic soap for my clothes not just for the smells during wash but they like to nibble on my clothes and I don't want them to get sick. My crazyness goes on and on, but I get it. I think even if everyone on this sight told me it was ok I would still freak. Its my thing.

 

[Bright Star]

I hope you're overreacting, cause I'm the same way No smokers nearby, thank goodness - for the birds' sake and mine. I did buy an air purifier and keep it on always. It helps keep the pet dander down, but it should also help keep the air around the birds clean. It's in their corner of the living room. I have disposed of all air fresheners and candles, and am absolutely paranoid when cooking - even with non-teflon pans.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I second the previous views - a little overreacting, but it's a good overreaction.

It's good to notice every smell, so you'll always be aware of anything potentially dangerous - but many smells are just smells.

Or in other words caution and vigilance can save a birds life, but paranoia will just ruin yours.

Do be sure to keep the fans on or windows closed when there's cigarette smoke and make sure your cookware is safe, but beyond that there should be no need to worry.

 

[Leahzebelle]

I did buy an air purifier and keep it on always. It helps keep the pet dander down, but it should also help keep the air around the birds clean. It's in their corner of the living room.

I have the same thing going in my "bird room" (the master bedroom, haha), it's always running. It's a very expensive UV air purifier.. X_X

 

[kerry]

Mele I used to get migraines so bad that I could even see to read.
I stopped eating dairy products, especially cheese & I haven't gotten a migraine since!!
Whenever I see a truck coming to spray chemical weed killer on all my neighbors lawns I am running around & closing all my windows.