Source: Guide to Hazardous Products Around the Home.
Second Edition. 1989. Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Project.
Once a hazardous product is in your home,
use it safely ...
- Read all labels carefully before using hazardous products. Be aware
of their uses and dangers.
- Always follow directions for use on container.
- Use the proper safety equipment when working with hazardous chemicals.
Protect your skin and eyes with clothing, gloves and goggles as is
appropriate. When using aerosols and sprays, use a properly fitted
respirator that is designed to filter out inhalants. (A poorly fitted
respirator may allow a false sense of security.)
- Leave products in their original containers with labels that clearly
identify the containers. Never put hazardous products in food or
beverage containers.
- Do not mix products unless directed to do so by label directions.
Improper mixing can cause explosive or chemical reactions. Even
different brands of the same product can contain incompatible ingredients.
- Use only what is needed for the job. Twice as much doesn't mean twice
the results. Follow label directions.
- If pregnant, avoid toxic chemical exposure as much as possible. Many toxic
products have not been tested for their effects on unborn children.
- Avoid wearing soft contact lenses when working with solvents and
pesticides, They can absorb vapors from the air and hold the chemical
near your eyes. Some chemicals may cause the contact lenses to breakdown,
potentially causing extreme eye damage.
- Use products in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes. Work
outdoors whenever possible. When working indoors, open windows and use
an exhaust fan, making sure that air is exiting outside rather than
being recirculated indoors. Take plenty of fresh-air breaks. If you
feel dizzy or nauseous, take a break and go outside.
- Use products designed for outdoor use on windless days.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using hazardous products. Do not use
hazardous products near an eating or smoking area. Traces of
hazardous chemicals can be carried from hand to mouth. Smoking can start
a fire if the product is flammable.
- Never use a flammable, explosive or toxic chemical near a fire or other
source of ignition.
- Never drink alcohol when using hazardous substances, especially solvents.
Alcohol can increase toxicity and impair judgement.
- Never use a hazardous substance near pets or children.
- Never allow a child to use a spray can or a product for professional use
or a product with any hazardous or warning labels.
- Never purposely sniff, inhale or taste a hazardous substance.
- Clean up after using hazardous products. Carefully seal products.
Properly refasten all childproof caps. Any contaminated clothing or rags
should be washed separately from regular laundry.
- Always wash your hands after using hazardous substances.
- Dispose of any excess material properly or use it up or give it away in
its original labeled container.
- Substitute safer products. Be wary of products that fail to list their
ingredients and remember that "nontoxic" is an advertising word that has
no federal regulatory meaning.