Reading Product Lables

The labels of household products containing hazardous substances must include at least the following information:

    Product Label Example
  1. Brand Name
  2. Common and/or Chemical Name A list of the common names of the hazardous ingredients; if a hazardous substance has no common name, the chemical name will be listed. Both names may appear on the label, as in this case. "Sodium Hypochlorite" is the chemical name. "Bleach" is the common name.
  3. Amount of Contents
  4. Signal Word The signal word Danger appears on substances which are extremely flammable, corrosive, or highly. The additional word Poison appears on those substances which are highly toxic. The signal words Warning or Caution appear on all other hazardous substances.

    The word nontoxic is an advertising word and lacks a Federal Regulatory definition.

  5. Instructions for Safe Handling and Use Warnings about what not to mix the product with or where to avoid use of the product. The quantities for proper use of the product are listed here. (Always use the recommended amount. Using more of a product does not mean a better job will result!)
  6. Name and Address of Manufacturer, Distributor, Packer or Seller (Contact the manufacturer about any questions concerning the product.)
  7. Description of Hazard and Precaution A description of the principal hazard involved in using the product. In this case, the product is an "irritant" to the skin and eyes, and to the gastrointestinal system if swallowed. Other words that may be used to describe the principal hazard in using products may include "Vapor Harmful," "Flammable," "Corrosive," "Absorbed Through the Skin" and such.

    A statement of what to do to avoid the hazard such as precautions to wear gloves or eye protection, or to provide adequate ventilation. A shortcoming of labels is that they do not specify how much ventilation is adequate, or (in many cases) what safety equipment should be used with the product.

  8. First Aid Instructions, When Necessary or Appropriate On some hazardous products antidotes are provided in case of accidental poisoning. However, especially with older products, many of the antidotes are not in keeping with current medical recommendations. In the event of a poison emergency, always call for emergency services of the Regional Poison Center.


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