The ingredients in all-purpose cleaners are a combination of detergents, grease cutting agents, and possibly solvents and disinfectants. These products may contain one or more of the following hazardous ingredients: Ammonia, ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate, sodium hypochlorite, and trisodium phosphate. Depending upon the ingredients contained in the particular cleaner, they can be mildly to extremely irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and corrosive if swallowed. Chronic irritation may occur from repeated use. Do not mix ammonia-based cleaners with bleach-based cleaners. Hazardous fumes will result! Cleaners that contain phosphates present a water pollution hazard. Use: Wear gloves. Make sure that the ventilation is adequate. Do not mix different cleaners together as toxic fumes may result. HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and 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
ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOBUTYL ACETATE - Poisons animals, who are attracted to sweet smell; can cause damage to internal organs through skin absorption; inhalation can cause dizziness
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE - Corrosive to skin and mucous membranes; fumes irritating
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Many aluminum cleaners contain hydrofluoric acid which is extremely corrosive and toxic. Hydrofluoric acid is extremely dangerous! Upon contact, it destroys the flesh down to the bone as the fluoride ion continues to act until it is neutralized by a calcium store. The pain from burns may be delayed for several minutes to several hours, depending upon concentration. During this time, the acid in the aluminum cleaner can burn deeply into the tissue, causing severe burns and possible damage to muscles, ligaments, and bone. Low concentrations in the eyes can cause intense irritation; high concentrations, immediate blindness. I can attest to the extreme dangers of Hydrofluoric Acid because we use it on a daily basis in our Inorganic labs. Hydrofluoric Acid and Fluoboric or Fluoroboric Acid are some of the few acids which will dissolve the silica and alumina based chemical catalysts we analyze. We take special precautions when using Hydrofluoric Acid because unlike the other acids we use, if enough Hydrofluoric Acid contacts the skin it can be deadly! Many have died from relatively small skin surface area exposure to Hydrofluoric Acid. It's an extremely painful way to die! Throughout our labs we have easily accessible vials of Calcium Gluconate which is a cream to be immediately applied upon any skin contact with Hydrofluoric Acid. Calcium Gluconate quenches the reaction of Hydrofluoric Acid with the body's calcium. It's an essential item to have around when using Hydrofluoric Acid because if exposure to Hydrofluoric Acid occurs a pernicious chain reaction ensues which affects tissue and blood eventually resulting in severe damage and likely death. Because our labs use this deadly acid on a daily basis we have notified the authorities so they can be prepared in the event of an emergency due to Hydrofluoric Acid exposure. The local emergency response teams, our own first responder emergency management teams, and the local hospitals have all been equipped with special injectable antidotes and the Calcium Gluconate cream which counteract the effects of Hydrofluoric Acid exposure. STAY AWAY FROM HYDROFLUORIC ACID, IT'S A KILLER! Learn more about Aluminum Cleaners
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Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that are flexible, fire resistant, and virtually indestructible. Many hundreds of products contain asbestos fibers. Some general categories are insulation, asbestos cements, fire-proofing, fireproof clothing, floor tiles, pipes, brake and clutch linings, pot holders, ironing board pads, hair dryers, and textured paint. In the recent past, some uses have been banned: spraying asbestos-containing materials (1973); certain pipe coverings (1975); some patching compounds and artificial fireplace logs (1977); spray-on asbestos decorations (1978); and hair dryers containing asbestos (1979). In most products, asbestos is combined with a binding material. However, if the tiny asbestos fibers do become airborne and inhaled, they can remain in the lungs and may cause severe health problems that do not appear until many years later. There is no known safe exposure level to asbestos. Asbestos toxicity surfaces only after a long latent period. The respiratory tract is the usual target organ. Asbestosis and asbestos-related cancers such as Mesothelioma are the two main categories of asbestos disease. Go to our Complete Guide to Asbestos for complete information about Asbestos, including: extensive MSDS information, list of specific product brands with Asbestos, jobs, symptoms, and case studies of asbestos exposure. If you encounter asbestos or suspect asbestos hazards in your home these asbestos tips for homeowners may also help. See full entry for ASBESTOS
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Liquid household chlorine bleaches contain approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite solution. When properly used, chlorine bleach can be a simple and effective disinfectant. Chlorine bleach liquid and vapors are irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Dermatitis may result from direct skin contact. Ingestion can cause esophageal injury, stomach irritation, and prolonged nausea and vomiting. Bleach, when mixed with acidic substances such as Ammonia, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaner, or vinegar, forms toxic gases which can cause coughing, loss of voice, a feeling of burning and suffocation, and even death. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners! Use: Wear protective gloves. Use only in well-ventilated areas with plenty of fresh air. Storage: Store in a well-ventilated area and away from children. Disposal: Use up as intended. To dispose of unwanted portions, flush down the drain with plenty of water. If you are on a septic tank or lagoon, dispose of small quantities over a number of days. Alternatives: For household disinfecting, borax is an option. For bleaching clothes, oxygen (dry) bleaches work well. If you are sold on chlorine bleach, reduce the amount of liquid bleach used in your wash. HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: CHLORINE - Fumes highly irritating to eyes and respiratory tract; causes deadly chloramine gas if mixed with ammonia
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas which is practically odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating - yet it can quickly kill you. Many deaths and serious health damage results every year from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Detectors installed in rooms and hallways have save the lives of many homeowners in situations where the gas built up inside with little warning besides the alarm sounding. Carbon monoxide is always formed when a fuel containing carbon is inadequately burned with poor ventilation. Kerosene, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and automobile exhaust fumes are common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning. Natural gas or Propane in the United States does not contain carbon monoxide, but it may form if the gas is burned without adequate air supplies. Carbon monoxide starves the body and brain of oxygen. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces symptoms ranging from headache, dizziness, flushed skin, disorientation, troubled thinking, abnormal reflexes, shortness of breath, fainting, and convulsions, to coma and even death. Heart problems are also aggravated by the presence of carbon monoxide because the heart must pump harder. Children, persons with respiratory illness or anemia, and the aged may be particularly sensitive. Chronic exposure to low carbon monoxide levels impairs judgement and increases the time required to make decisions. In your kitchen a possible source of Carbon Monoxide gas emmissions is your electric stove when set on the self-cleaning mode. This mode super heats the interior turning spills, grease, or food particles into gases such as carbon dioxide and possibly carbon monoxide which may vent into the room if the stove is not vented to the outside. Be sure to read instructions for safe operation of your gas or electric stove, especially during use of the self-cleaning setting. Gas stoves are more prone to producing Carbon Monoxide because no matter what mode, the stove is burning a carbon-containing fuel for heat. If you have an attached garage, always make sure the door to the house is closed and the garage door is open when the car is running. During snowy or icy weather, before starting engines of vehicles, always check to be sure exhaust pipes of vehicles have not become plugged or blocked with snow or ice. Starting the engine with blocked exhaust may result in the Carbon Monoxide poisoning for those inside the vehicle. Always beware of situations where a vehicle is running in a confined space, snowed in or otherwise. NEVER operate combustion equipment such as gasoline powered generators inside garages...EVEN IF THE DOOR IS UP. Many Carbon Monoxide deaths and Carbon Monoxide Poisonings have occured during hurricanes and storm power-outages when people ran fuel-powered generators in attached garages where Carbon Monoxide built up. Precautions should be taken when operating gas grills or any other type of combustion appliance or device used in or adjacent to garages or other confined spaces where gases may build up. If you think that you have a problem with carbon monoxide fumes, contact your local or state Department of Health for assistance.
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All detergents contain "cationic," "anionic," or "non-ionic" detergents. Cationic detergents are the most toxic when taken internally. Symptoms from ingestion include nausea, vomiting, shock, convulsions, and coma as quickly as one to four hours after ingestion, due to rapid absorption. By themselves, anionic detergents have low toxicity causing mild, local irritation of skin and eyes. But the addition of "builders" to anionic detergents is common and makes anionic detergents alkaline and caustic. Non-ionic detergents have low toxicity. At most, mild irritation of the skin and mucous membranes occurs. Ingestion causes no hazardous effects. Some typical nonionic detergents are alkyl aryl polyether sulfates, alcohol sulfonates, alkyl phenol polyglycol Ethers, and polyethylene glycol alkyl aryl ethers. Detergents are responsible for many household poisonings. Part of the problem is that detergent boxes are brightly colored and attractive and commonly stored in low, accessible places. There is a common misconception that low-phosphate detergents are "safe." While low phosphate detergents are safer to the environment, they are 100 to 1000 times more caustic than phosphate detergents. This means that low-phosphate detergents can cause serious burns if even a small amount is ingested. Since powdered granules are more difficult to accidentally swallow, powdered rather than liquid detergents may be a safer choice if you have small children in the home. All detergents should be carefully stored well away from the reach of children. Learn more about the various Type of Detergent
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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. Learn more about DISINFECTANT
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Chemical drain cleaners (also called drain openers) are extremely corrosive and dangerous to use. Common ingredients in drain cleaners include lye or sulfuric acid. These chemicals work by eating away materials, including your skin if it should come in contact. Likewise, vapors are harmful. If you are on a septic system, you should know that drain cleaners are hard on your system as they kill the microbial bacteria which are necessary to the workings of your septic tank. The use of chemical drain cleaners as a "preventative" measure is not a good idea. Boiling water or a handful of baking soda and half cup of vinegar poured down the drain weekly is at least as effective as a chemical drain cleaner and much, much safer for you and the environment. Also effective,particularly in preventing clogs, are many brands of enzymatic cleaners. If you have used a chemical drain cleaner and the clog still exists, Do not try to clear the drain with a plunger or pressurized drain opener. This would only invite splashback. Also, do not add other cleaners to the drain following the use of a commercial drain cleaner. The combination of chemicals can produce toxic gas or become reactive and blow out of the sink and on to you. If a chemical drain cleaner has done nothing to help your clog and you still have standing water, then there is no reasonable choice except to call a professional to fix the clogged and now contaminated drain. Be sure to tell them what product was used in the drain so that they may adequately protect themselves. If a drain cleaner claims to be "non-caustic" or "noncorrosive," it should state its ingredients. The product may still be poisonous if inhaled in heavy concentrations or swallowed.
Learn more about DRAIN CLEANER
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HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: PINE OIL - Irritates eyes and mucous membranes
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES - Irritates skin, eyes, respiratory tract; may cause fatal pulmonary edema; flammable
NAPHTHAS - Inhalation causes drowsiness, headache, coma and cardiac arrest; irritate eyes, throat and skin
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Window and glass cleaner commonly contains isopropyl alcohol or Ammonia, water, and coloring. It may be mildly irritating to the eyes, skin, nose, and throat. Use: Always use window and glass cleaners in a well-ventilated area. Storage: Keep out of reach of children. Disposal: Unused or unwanted portions of window or glass cleaner should be flushed down the drain with plenty of water. HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: AMMONIA - Fumes irritate eyes, lungs; can cause burns or rashes on skin
ISOPROPANOL - Irritates mucous membranes; ingestion results in drowsiness, unconsciousness and death
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GeneralPlastics are materials with a high degree of utility and many safe household uses. They can take the place of other materials that may have more harmful relative impacts. Some plastics, however, are associated with dangers in the manufacturing process, when misused and on other occasions: over their entire life-cycle from manufacture to ultimate disposal. They also comprise a significant fraction o f the entire municipal waste stream. For these reasons the principals of source reduction, reuse and recycling are just as valid for plastics as for other waste products (see Reasonable Responses below). For More current information on solid waste use and recycling patterns in the United States go to: EPA Municipal Solid Waste Site
General CompositionPlastic is made from fractions of natural gas or crude oil changed chemically into solid form. There are two basic types of plastic: Thermosetting and Thermoplastics. Thermosetting plastics are set to a permanent shape and cannot be softened. These plastics are used primarily for multiple use items, such as dishes and furniture. Thermoplastics are soft when exposed to heat and pressure and harden when cooled. Thermoplastics are the most common type of plastic and are used to make a variety of products. Following is a list of some of the most common types of thermoplastics, along with their recycling code # (the number that appears in the triangle on the bottom), and their common uses. #1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) - soft drink containers
#2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - milk crates, milk jugs, beverage bottles, and soft plastic margarine tubs
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - auto parts , inflatable toys, insulation, pipes, phonograph records, shampoo bottles, shower curtains, some food containers
#4 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) - trash bags and other films
#5 Polypropylene - auto parts, housewares, pipes, screw-on caps, toys, yogurt and margarine tubs
#6 Polystyrene - hot food containers, packing materials, plastic utensils, wall tiles
BEWARE #7! Polycarbonate - This type plastic may contain the suspected endocrine disruptor and carcinogen know as Bisphenol-A. In 1995 the CDC found that Bisphenol-A is likely found in 95% of Americans' blood. This is particularly alarming since evidence is mounting in support of the theory that Bisphenol-A is a possible contributor to the rise in Prostate cancer and other health issues over the last decade. Some examples of products made with polycarbonate plastics are milk containers, water bottles, baby bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, toys, can liners, food storage containers, dental sealants, plastic eating utensils, and water pipes. No wonder Bisphenol-A is such a common blood contaminant in Americans and why California has already banned many products which may potentially release Bisphenol-A. Learn more about Plastics
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The majority of oven cleaners contain lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), which is an extremely corrosive ingredient. Whether the cleaners are contained in aerosol spray form, liquid, paste or powder, lye can attack skin, eyes, or internal organs. Lye in aerosol form is especially hazardous because small droplets containing lye can drift and land on skin, eyes, and sensitive lung surfaces. Labels on most oven cleaners warn that the product can burn skin and eyes and that fumes and vapors should be avoided. Use: Avoid aerosol oven cleaners. Wear an apron, protective gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator with an organic vapor cartridge. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air and adequate ventilation present. Storage: Keep out of the reach of children. Disposal: Use up as intended. Take unused portions to a hazardous household waste collection center. If a collection center is unavailable, wrap in several layers of newspaper and dispose of in the trash. Alternatives: Use a non-toxic oven cleaner. HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: SODIUM HYDROXIDE - Extremely corrosive, burns skin and eyes; usually fatal if swallowed; aerosols disperse chemicals, increasing inhalation dangers
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE - Extremely corrosive, burns skin and eyes; usually fatal if swallowed; aerosols disperse chemicals, increasing inhalation dangers
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HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: ORGANOPHOSPHATES - Carcinogenic in rats; teratogenic in chick embryos; affect nervous system; acutely toxic causing headache, dizziness, twitching, nausea
CARBAMATES - Carcinogenic in rats; mutagenic, teratogenic in dogs and mice; affects nervous system Bait and trap devices are usually much safer than broadcast or spray pesticide use.
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HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: WARFARIN - Causes internal bleeding if ingested in large amounts; toxic to fish
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Most scouring powders use calcium carbonate as the abrasive, and may contain chlorine bleach. To prevent the formation of toxic gas, do not use cleansers containing bleach with other cleaning products such as toilet bowl cleaner, oven cleaner, or all-purpose cleaners which may contain Ammonia. The combination of bleach and ammonia produces toxic chloramine gas. In sensitive individuals, scouring powder that contains chlorine may irritate and redden the skin. Disposal: Use up as intended or give it to someone who can. If unwanted portions must be disposed of, flush down the drain with plenty of water. However, if on a septic tank or lagoon, dispose of small quantities over a number of days. Alternatives: Baking soda or salt can be easily substituted for scouring powder. Alternative commercial products based upon diatomaceous earth are relatively safe, effective and non-abrasive. Nylon and other non-metallic scrubbing pads may also be effective. HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL INGREDIENTS and Possible Effects: BLEACH - Fumes highly irritating to eyes and respiratory tract; causes deadly chloramine gas if mixed with ammonia
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Smoke detectors are important for early detection of fires. There are two types of smoke detectors: photoelectric, which detects only visible products of combustion, and ionizing, which detects both the visible and invisible products of combustion. Ionizing (or ion chamber) smoke detectors contain a very small amount of radioactive material, Americium-241 (Am-241). Am-241 has a half life of 458 years and emits alpha particles, a lower energy form of radiation. The ionizing smoke detector is constructed so that to gain access to the radioactive sections would require the complete destruction of the smoke detector, which ofcourse is NOT a good idea because even alpha particles are radiation which can be harmful. The best way to dispose of an ionizing smoke detector is to return it to the manufacturer. The photoelectric smoke detector can be disposed of in the trash.
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