|
|
 |
|
The products commonly used for the maintenance of
our homes and offices can be hazardous and require
special use, handling, and disposal requirements.
There are also ways to avoid the use of many
hazardous products altogether. Purchasing safer alternatives to hazardous products—or using non-chemical
methods that accomplish the same goal—is the best way to make life safer for
you and your family. For example, one non-chemical alternative for cleaning
drains would be a drain snake. Reducing use of hazardous products will also
improve the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food
we eat. |
 |
|
Chemical Product Purchasing Tips |
- First, read the label. A quick look at
several products will help you find the safest
product that will do the job. The section below
tells you exactly what to look for.
- Second, skip aerosol sprays. Aerosols
cause air pollution, and pose disposal issues
when empty. Choose solid or gel products, or
pump sprays.
- When considering a chemical product, ask
yourself—will something else you already have
do the job? Avoid “super” sizes and bundled
products—buy only what you need. The few cents
you might save are not worth the risk of storing
unused hazardous products.
|
|
|
Resources for Safe Alternatives |
|
|
Many less toxic resources exist that offer
alternatives to common household products see the
California
Peer Review Project. |
|
|
Reading Product Labels |
|
The label should tell you what the product is for,
how to use it, the risks you are exposed to, and
what to do if you have an accident.
The most important time to read the label is
before you buy a product. You are in the store
looking for chemicals because you have a job to do
at home. Maybe you have a drain that is backed up,
or just need some window cleaner. How do you
decide which of the many products on the shelf is
best for you? Start by reading the labels.
What is this product for? Does it do
just one job, or can I use it for several tasks?
Are there any restrictions, such as "avoid
using product around plastic, metal, or
fabric"?
How do I use it? Is the product
ready-to-use, or do I mix it with water? How can I
mix the product safely? How much will I need to do
the job?
How hazardous is the product?
Pesticides
(includes disinfectants) have specific language
that explains hazards to human health and the
environment. Other kinds of products have certain
required warnings but may also contain marketing
claims designed to sell the product. Learn to find
the key words and phrases that warn against
product hazards.
What do I do if I have an accident?
Does
the label say what to do if the product contacts
skin, or is inhaled or swallowed? Does the label
give you enough information to prepare for and
respond to these accidents? |
|
Where possible, avoid products having
labels that say any of the following: Signal
Words: Look for the label signal word (Caution,
Warning, Danger or Poison). Choose products
labeled “Caution” over “Warning”; avoid
products labeled “Danger”.
Choose products with label statements such
as: non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-
petroleum-based, free of ammonia, phosphates,
dye or perfume, readily biodegradable,
non-fuming and recyclable container. |
|
|
Definitions: |
|
Poison, Danger or Highly toxic –
Swallowing a 1 teaspoon or less can kill a person.
Warning or Very toxic – Swallowing a 1
teaspoon to 1 tablespoon can kill a person.
Caution or Toxic – Swallowing an ounce to
a pint can kill a person.
Corrosive or Caustic – Contains chemicals
that can blind you or burn your skin.
Flammable or Combustible – The product
will burn easily, and may give off vapors that can
ignite.
Explosive – the product or container
could explode if mishandled.
Volatile or Contains VOCs – Contains
volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that evaporate
and cause air pollution and potential health
effects.
Proposition 65 (Prop. 65) – Contains
chemicals that the State of California has
determined will cause cancer or reproductive harm.
Provide Adequate Ventilation – Fresh air
is needed to keep you from breathing harmful
amounts of the product or to prevent explosion.
Contains Propane or Contents Under Pressure
–
These are aerosol containers, which cost more and
have more risk than do the same products that are
packaged in pump spray bottles.
|
|
|
Other tips that a product is
toxic include:
|
- harmful or fatal if swallowed;
- instructions that call for use of safety
equipment;
- warnings of environmental hazards (like toxic
to bees, birds, and fish).
|
|
|
Instead, choose products with labels that say: |
|
Non-Toxic - Touching, breathing, or
accidentally drinking the product will not kill
you (although you may get sick).
Biodegradable - Natural bacteria in the
environment will convert the product into harmless
chemicals.
Contains No Hazardous Ingredients - This
phrase usually means that the product does not
contain more than 1% of any single hazardous
chemical or 0.1% of any single carcinogen.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
This page was last modified on
08/06/2008
|
 |
|
|
