Hazardous Household Products Important things to know! Bay-Wise Advanced Master Gardener Program Jean F. Austin, FCS Educator Maryland Cooperative Extension “It is the policy of the University of Maryland, Agriculture Experiment Station and Maryland Cooperative Extension, that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on thro grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or disability.”
Household Hazardous Products (HHP) -- Objectives Discuss types of products thru out the home and define HHP risks Household products labeling requirements Information sources for household products Strategies for reducing HHP “Green cleaning” alternatives
HHP—What is it? Municipal Solid Waste – trash! lbs/person/day EPA strategies: Source reduction, Recycling, Composting, Disposal in combustion facility or landfill Environmental concern is ground water contamination Human Health concerns include usage, indoor air quality and known and unknown long term effects
What are HHP? Where are they? Products that present risks to the user and the environment Found in every room or area of the home Risk occurs when personal protective action not taken
Harmful Actions of HHP Flammable - ignites at low temperature Explosive - gas under pressure Toxic - poisons Corrosive - acids and bases Reactive - two compounds mixed Abrasive - hard/rough to skin
How do Health effects occur? Swallowing – accidental (childproof caps) Absorbing – skin, eyes, mucous membranes Contact – eating, drinking, smoking Inhaling – minute particles/aerosol spray
Signal Words on the Label Caution – least risk, temporary (abrasion from using a cleanser, irritation from mild fumes) Warning – moderate risk, small amounts can cause harm (burns, dizziness, nausea) Danger – can cause death (poisonous, flammable, explosive, radiation) Poison – can cause death
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Information on handling storage, storage and disposal of chemical substances used in industry Consumer products contain substances but are considered Small Quantity Generators (SQG)
Safe Handling of HHP Follow directions Buy only amount needed Store properly in original container Buy least toxic product C,W,D Dispose of according to label Consider alternative product use
Safe Handling of HHP Follow directions Buy only amount needed Store properly in original container Buy least toxic product C,W,D Dispose of according to label Consider alternative product use
Alternative Products – Alternative Products – green cleaning Baking soda White vinegar Rubbing alcohol Distilled water Salt Lemons Borax Spray bottles Herbs & spices