Most polishes are flammable. Furniture polish may contain one or more of the following substances: ammonia, naphtha, nitrobenzene, petroleum distillates, and phenol.
The health dangers most often associated with furniture polish are inhalation of fumes or vapors (especially from aerosols) and poisoning from ingestion. Polishes that look drinkable, like strawberry soda or milk, are especially tempting to children.
Use: When using furniture polish you
should wear gloves, avoid skin contact with the polish, and provide adequate
ventilation. Avoid polishes or stains with nitrobenzene.
Storage: Store away from children and sources of flame.
Disposal: Unused or unwanted portions of furniture polish which contain petroleum distillates or nitrobenzene should be held for a hazardous waste collection rather than disposing of them in the trash. The best way to avoid a disposal dilemma is to fully and carefully use the product up.