HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT | POSSIBLE EFFECTS |
---|---|
AMMONIA | Fumes irritate eyes and lungs; can cause burns or rashes on skin; can produce deadly chloramine gas if mixed with chlorine containing products |
DETERGENTS | Toxic and poisonous to ingest, causing nausea and in extreme cases - coma |
CRESOL | Corrosive to tissue, damages liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and spleen |
LYE | Caustic product that burns skin, can cause blindness |
PHENOL | Central nervous system depression; severely affect circulatory system; corrosive to skin; suspected carcinogen |
PINE OIL | Irritates eyes and mucous membranes |
Disinfectants are considered pesticides. They reduce some germs and are a temporary measure at best for making your home "germ free." Skin contact and vapors can be irritating and corrosive to the respiratory system and skin. Disinfectants are especially hazardous when dispersed from aerosol cans because the disinfectant can be easily ingested through the nose and mouth.
Disinfectants may contain one or more of the following hazardous substances: ammonia, cationic detergents, cresol, lye, phenol, pine oil. Please refer to these compounds for specific health hazards associated with these ingredients.
Use: Avoid aerosol dispensers. Handle disinfectant with gloves to avoid corrosive effects and absorption through skin and wear safety goggles. Make sure ventilation is adequate with plenty of fresh air present. Do not use disinfectants around food, animals, or children.
Storage: Keep away from children. Store in a well ventilated area.
Disposal: Use up as intended. To dispose of unused or unwanted portions take the product to a hazardous household waste collection center. If collection is not available, then flush the product down the drain with plenty of water. If on a septic tank or lagoon, dispose of small quantities over a number of days.