HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS PRODUCT SURVEY (Grade 7-8)

Nobody is "for" toxic chemicals in the sense of wanting to endanger ourselves and others, and yet many toxic substances seem to be a necessary part of our lives and have come to be considered essential in our homes, our workplaces, and our schools. This predicament of needing substances that sometimes produce undesirable effects forces people to make choices about what is acceptable to them. Different people are willing to take different risks related to toxics and have varying concerns about the effects of toxics on themselves and people around them. Some people know that many of the products they use are potentially toxic but consider the risk worthwhile. Others try to avoid toxics and thus sacrifice the benefits of certain products.

We do not know exactly how many households in our society use commercial cleaning products, but the number is quite high. In a survey conducted in the Seattle area, 97.5% of the respondents said they had household cleaners in their home. In a 1979 consumer survey of the most-used item sold in the supermarkets, soaps and detergents topped the list, and other cleaning products such as scouring powders and air fresheners were bought by more people than staples such as milk and butter.

Survey yourself and your family members to find out attitudes and beliefs people hold about toxics. NOTE: handling toxic products can be dangerous to your health.


HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS PRODUCT SURVEY

1. How many of the following potentially hazardous products are found in your home? Make a check mark in the left column for each type of waste, such as paint thinner, that you find.

2. Use the right column to check off products that your parents had in their homes when they were kids.

Your home ProductParent's Home
Nail polish remover
Oven cleaner
Kerosene
Gasoline
Bleach
Furniture polish
Furniture refinisher
Paint stripper
Paint thinner
Drain cleaner
Weed killer
Degreaser
Rug cleaner
Metal polish
Rust remover
Car wax
Wood preservative
Antifreeze
Motor oil
Insect repellent
Pest strips
Batteries
Other: ______________
Other: ______________
Other: ______________

3. Were there any items that YOU checked off in the left column that your parents did not include in the right column? What were they and where are they found in your home?

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4. List the ways you can reduce the amount of hazardous products in your home.

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5. How can you and your family safely dispose of household hazardous waste?

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6. In your house, which room contained the most hazardous products? Why?

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