Using Hazardous Household Products Safely

If you are properly using and storing products deemed hazardous, you are reducing the potential health risks associated with them.

It is relatively easy for one of these products to enter your body. There are three main types of exposure: ingestion, including accidental ingestion by drinking, eating or smoking when a substance is on your hands or on the utensil being used; breathing dust or fumes (inhalation); or contact with skin or eyes.

The potential for harm from exposure depends on:

• The type and concentration of chemical in the product
• How much of the chemical you are exposed to
• How frequently you are exposed
• Your size, weight and health
• Your age

There are some common symptoms caused by chemical exposure. They include nausea, skin irritation, burning eyes, dizziness and headaches. Other effects such as cancer or lung damage take a longer period of time to develop.

Minimize your risk at the time of purchase:

• Read the labels to determine which product most safely meets your needs.
• Select the least toxic product (a detergent based cleaner, instead of a solvent based one).
• Make sure the label and container are in good condition.
• Know what the words on the label mean (danger is more hazardous than caution).
• Buy only as much as you need, do not base your decision on price.

Minimize your risk during use:

• Always read the label and follow directions and warnings. Do not use products for reasons other than those listed on the label.
• Make sure there is proper ventilation.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing.
• Use the correct amount.
• Never mix products or different brands of the same product.
• If pregnant or nursing, avoid exposure to chemicals as much as possible.
• Protect food by putting it away or covering it.
• Keep children and pets away from application area during use and for the recommended amount of time following use.
• Use the product up if possible, if not give the excess to someone else. Always follow the label's directions on the correct disposal of the empty container.
• Do not pour products down the drain or other waterways unless they are intended to go down the drain with water.

Safe Storage:

• Store hazardous household products in a locked cabinet or one inaccessible to children.
• Store products by type and in a place with good ventilation.
• If hazardous products are stored in the garage, its doors should be kept shut and locked when children are playing nearby.
• Note that if you can smell a household product while it is in storage, the lid may be loose or ventilation may be insufficient to protect your health.
• Routinely check storage areas to make sure containers are closed tightly and that the sides of the containers are not bulging.
• Products should always be stored in their original containers.
• Store products away from any well or waterway.
• Store batteries and flammable chemicals in an area shaded from direct sunlight.