Chemicals


Safer Use of Household Chemicals

  • Strong chemicals can burn the skin. Drain openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners can cause such burns.
  • Keep poisons in the containers they came in. Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other strong chemicals.
  • Store strong chemicals away from food. Many poisonings occur when one product is mistaken for another.
  • Read and follow the directions for use of products. Do this BEFORE using the products. Follow the advice carefully.
  • Never mix chemicals. Doing so can create a poisonous gas.
  • Turn on fans and open windows when using strong chemicals.When spraying chemicals, direct spray nozzle away from people and pets.
  • Never sniff containers to see what is inside.
  • Discard old or outdated products. First aid advice on containers may be incorrect and outdated.
  • Keep household cleaning products and other chemicals in the containers they came in, and always store them away from food and out of the reach of children.
  • Read and follow directions for use and disposal of cleaning products, and never mix chemicals, including household cleaners, or detergents.
  • Turn on fans and open windows when using chemicals or household cleaners. Don't sniff containers to see what is inside.
  • When spraying chemicals, direct the nozzle away from people and pets.
  • Bug and weed killers can be taken in through the skin or inhaled and can be poisonous too. Even leather shoes and gloves do not offer full protection, so stay away from areas that have been sprayed for at least an hour.
  • Wear protective clothing when using any spray products. If pesticides are splashed onto the skin, rinse with soap and running water. Wash your clothing after using chemicals too.