Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products

Guide G-304
Revised by Sonja Koukel
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Ecology Sciences, New Mexico State University

Author: Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Department of Extension Family unit and Consumer Sciences, New United mexican states State University. (Print Friendly PDF)

Consumer Access to Chemic Information

Often, retail household cleaning products contain substances that are deemed hazardous. It is hard to identify these substances because manufacturers are immune to label these substances as confidential business information (CBI). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has acknowledged that the inappropriate and excessive use of CBI claims has hidden important data from the public and even from EPA offices. Modifications to the chemical data reporting rule are ongoing. Visit the EPA website for more information on the agency's efforts to increment transparency in chemical access (Increasing Transparency in TSCA.

Clean Homes

A clean dwelling reduces exposure to allergens, pesticides, consumer chemicals, and pest droppings and urine, and reduces shelter for pests. While it is of import to keep your habitation clean to provide a healthy environment, cleaning product labels oft brandish circuitous chemical terms. Additionally, commercial advertisements may exaggerate the performance of cleaning products. Therefore, to brand informed decisions when comparing product operation and safety, consumers need to be familiar with the virtually mutual ingredients found in cleaning products.

This publication provides definitions of common ingredients and guidelines for selecting products for household use. Types of cleaning products include

  • Disinfectants and sanitizers
  • Abrasives
  • Acids
  • Alkalis
  • Bleaching agents
  • Detergents
  • Spirit solvents

Disinfectants and Sanitizers

Disinfectants are more often used in clinics and hospitals than in household products. A disinfectant is a chemical that completely destroys all disease-causing organisms (pathogens). These include disease-causing strains of salmonella and staph bacteria. To exist labeled as a disinfectant, the EPA stipulates that the production must destroy 99.999% of pathogens within 5 to 10 minutes. Disinfectants are applied direct to non-porous surfaces, such as diaper irresolute tables, countertops, door and cabinet handles, toilets, and other bathroom surfaces.

Disinfectants for Household Utilise

Liquid chlorine bleach is a common household disinfectant. For detailed information, refer to the Bleaching Agents section in this publication.

Quaternary ammonium compounds are generally referred to as quats. These are salt compounds used with a variety of additional ingredients to create a safe and effective disinfectant. They are constructive in destroying a wide range of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Quats are economic and finer command odors when used according to the manufacturer'southward directions. They tin can be used on sensitive flooring surfaces and will not damage floor finishes.

Pine oil cleaners are all-purpose cleaners fabricated from a natural resin distilled from pine copse. The pino oils are combined with alcohols and quats to improve their disinfecting and cleaning properties. Pino Sol is an example of a pino oil cleaner/disinfectant.

When mixed in water, pine oil cleaners practice not dissolve, only instead make a milky soap. Nigh people similar the mode they odour and the fact that they tin clean and deodorize at the same fourth dimension. Overall, they are proficient cleaners. Circumspection: These cleaners are highly flammable. They tin can be very unsafe if swallowed or if the fumes are inhaled. Utilise with adequate ventilation and follow all labeled precautions. Practise not apply these products full-strength or exit them soaking on waxed or freshly painted surfaces.

The EPA provides a limited listing of 500 registered disinfectant products. It is updated periodically, withal it is not a complete list.

Sanitizers for Household Use

Sanitizers are commonly used in restaurants and household products. A sanitizer is a product that reduces germs on surfaces to levels considered condom by public health codes or regulations. By EPA standards, these products must destroy 99.999% of pathogens within 30 seconds. Many sanitizers are a formulation of a detergent and disinfectant. Sanitizers can be used on food contact surfaces, such as dishes, eating utensils, and cutting boards. Pacifiers and toys that children may identify in their mouths can be sanitized for safety.

By killing leaner, sanitizers also destroy odors. These products are used when cleaning tubs, showers, toilet bowls, bathroom sinks, and ceramic or plastic bathroom tile. They are likewise used in laundering and dishwashing products. Often, household products sold as disinfectants are also constructive as sanitizers. Household products that are constructive sanitizers include bleach and products formulated with quats, such equally pine oil cleaners.

The EPA recommends that EPA-registered products be used whenever possible. Only a disinfectant or sanitizer with an EPA registration number on the label can make public wellness claims that they are effective in destroying germs.

Abrasives

Abrasives are rough or gritty. They make clean surfaces by creating friction that lifts off hardened food particles, grease, tarnish, and stains. Annihilation that is rough to the touch can exist considered an abrasive when used to remove spots or stains from a surface. Types of abrasives include physical, mineral, and chemical.

  • Concrete abrasives include sandpaper, plastic and nylon meshes, scrubbing pads, and steel wool.
  • Mineral abrasives are composed of particles. Baking soda, powdered borax, and salt are all examples of mineral abrasives that are considered natural cleaners.
  • Chemical abrasives are also composed of particles. A common chemical used in commercial products that incorporate bleach is sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione. These cleaners are frequently referred to as scouring powders and are used to kill leaner in addition to general surface cleaning.

In household cleaning products, mineral and chemical abrasives are available in powder and cream (or thick liquid) forms. Generally, the larger the particles used in the product, the harsher the cleaner. Calcium carbonate (or calcite) and silica are two types of minerals often constitute in these products. Calcium carbonate is the mildest of abrasives, with the finest abrasive constitute in the cream grade.

Uses

Balmy abrasives are appropriate for surfaces such as fiberglass, laminate, countertops, grout, tile, sinks, tubs, cookware, and glass.

Fibroid or harsh abrasives tin can exist used to make clean outdoor stainless steel grills, oven blistering racks, and cement. Normally sold for removing tough stains, harsh abrasives will cause damage to many surfaces. Regular use may scratch the shiny finishes of sinks, bathtubs, and kitchen appliances, making them irksome and crude. When surfaces are damaged in this fashion, they soil faster and stain deeper. It will then be necessary to go on to use a harsh abrasive to remove embedded dirt and stains.

Caution
Always cheque the manufacturer's directions earlier using abrasives on any surface. Consumers should be enlightened that all abrasives can leave scratch marks on some surfaces. Use sparingly when cleaning aluminum, plastic, plated and highly polished metals, and apparatus enamel on refrigerators, dishwashers, oven doors, and microwave ovens.

Acids

Acids are used to remove mineral deposits, rust stains, and hard h2o deposits. They can remove discoloration from some metals, such as aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper. Some acids are effective both in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Acids range from very mild to very potent. Consumers must take care when choosing and using acids for cleaning. Acid-based disinfectant cleaners are very irritating to your optics and skin and will burn your pharynx. When using toilet cleaners, it's a skillful idea to habiliment latex dishwashing gloves to help protect your pare and safety goggles to assistance protect your optics from splashes.

This section provides an overview of types of cleaning products that contain acids every bit well equally best use practices. Equally always, read the manufacturer's directions before using on any surface. Refer to Table 1 for examples of acids in household cleaners.

Tabular array ane. Examples of Acids in Household Cleaners

Product Acrid Ingredients
Toilet bowl cleaner sodium bisulfate, oxalic acid, dilute
hydrochloric acid, or dilute sulfuric acrid
Rust removers acetic, citric, gluconic, levulinic, hydrofluoric,
hydroxyacetic (glycolic), or oxalic acids
Metal cleaners citric or acetic acids
Hard h2o removers levulinic, acetic, hydroxyacetic (glycolic),
citric, or gluconic acids
Tarnish removers levulinic, acerb, hydroxyacetic (glycolic),
citric, or gluconic acids

Uses

Very Mild Acids
Mildly acidic cleaners are used to deliquesce hard water deposits, remove mild rust stains, and eliminate soap film from effectually the sink and on shower doors. They are useful in removing tarnish from brass and copper.

Mildly acidic cleaning products include vinegar (acetic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid). Mild cleaners fabricated from these acids are prophylactic for use around children and pets. Other acids are frequently found in household cleaning products.

  • Gluconic acrid – organic compound with very low toxicity
  • Hydroxyacetic (or glycolic) acrid – a mild organic acrid (stronger than vinegar)
  • Levulinic acid – a non-toxic carbohydrate-derived chemic used every bit a platform chemic in the product of a number of products

Acetic acid is the acid in clear white vinegar and is a natural all-purpose cleaning agent. It is best for general household cleaning on surfaces that can tolerate a potent, acidic production. Vinegar removes difficult water deposits from glassware, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper. After using alkaline cleaners, acetic acid can exist used as a mild deliming rinsing agent. Although vinegar is widely used every bit a disinfectant in household cleaning, the packaging cannot claim the product every bit a disinfectant because it is not registered with the EPA.

Citric acrid is a natural substance establish in lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It is nontoxic, antibacterial, and antiseptic. It has much the same apply as vinegar.

In commercial products, citric acrid is used to remove hard water buildup on dishes and glassware. Information technology is too used equally an acid lookout man to remove java and tea stains, yellowing/browning discolorations, water stains, and urine or feces stains. Some commercial products that comprise citric acid are water-based and may cause corrosion or rust on metals. Wash and dry the metal later on cleaning to prevent rust.

Foam of tartar is a very mild acid table salt. Fabricated into a paste with water, information technology tin be used to clean brass and copper, brighten aluminum, remove rust, and freshen coffee makers. Mix a small amount with vinegar to create a nonabrasive cleaner for use on grout, mold and mildew, oven tops, and cookware.

Phosphoric acid is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid. Information technology is very mild, yet more than acidic than vinegar or lemon juice. Commonly used for rust removal, information technology works quite well on most types of bathroom stains. In commercial products, phosphoric acid is found in tub, tile, sink, and toilet bowl cleaners.

Very Strong Acids
Strongly acidic cleaners are highly toxic. They may be corrosive, meaning they can eat away at metal surfaces or human tissue. Avoid getting them on your skin or in your eyes. Avoid getting them on other materials since the acids may have bleaching effects, eat through metals, or etch (scratch) surfaces and porcelain enamel. Always read the labels on the products you buy and follow the directions to ensure your own safety. See the Caution section (at the end of this Acids section) for more information on safe use.

Muriatic acid comes from a mixture of common table salt and sulfuric acid. Concentrated solutions of hydrochloric acid are extremely corrosive. Diluted solutions are commonly found in household cleaning products. Very dilute solutions are merely mildly corrosive. When using hydrochloric acrid, be careful to non permit the cleaner come in contact with eyes and pare.

Muriatic acid is used in toilet bowl cleaners to remove clay and crud. Information technology is used for cleaning mortar spills off new bricks, removing rust from metals and other surfaces, and etching floors before sealing them. This product eats cotton wool, rayon, and mortar and is very corrosive to metals. In commercial products, hydrochloric acid is besides called hydrochloric acid and is used for cleaning concrete; the acid cleans the concrete by etching away the peak layer.

Hydrofluoric acid is a commercial rust remover that will burn the skin. Continue this one away from drinking glass windows or glass products. Meet the Circumspection section before using.

Oxalic acid is a bleaching agent that is an constructive rust remover. Information technology is poisonous and corrosive. Make sure to proceed children and pets away while using this product. Dispose of cloths and brushes used to apply oxalic acid. Otherwise, the acid could exist transferred to kitchen utensils and dishes, from which this poisonous substance could be ingested. Run into the Caution section earlier using.

Sodium bisulfate (besides known as sodium acid sulfate) tin be found in toilet bowl cleaners. It is a compound fabricated by combining sodium, hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen ions. Information technology is a poison and should be used with extreme circumspection. See the Caution section before using.

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical used in bleaching solutions, disinfectants, water purifiers, and cleaning products. As a disinfectant, it attacks and destroys leaner, viruses, and mold. It can be establish in toilet bowl cleaners and tile and grout cleaners, among other products. Swallowing sodium hypochlorite can lead to poisoning. Animate the fumes may as well cause poisoning, specially if the product is mixed with ammonia.

Sulfuric acid is a potent bleed cleaner and can exist found in some toilet bowl cleaners. It besides is a powerful oxidizer. Still, it attacks nylon, vinyl, and almost organic substances. It will burn the pare and emit dangerous fumes. Exist sure to use information technology with caution. Store in a safe identify abroad from other chemicals or rut, and definitely continue it away from children or pets. Run across the Caution section before using.

Circumspection
E'er read the labels on the products you purchase and follow the directions to ensure your ain safety.

Oxalic acid, muriatic acid, sodium bisulfate, sodium hypochlorite, and sulfuric acid are all poisonous. They tin likewise injure pare and optics and harm clothing, leather, and some metals. Damage can occur when 2 or more different kinds of metals are treated together with acid. For this reason, avoid soaking a metal in a container made of another metal.

Never mix a toilet basin cleaner with whatever other household or cleaning products. Doing so can result in poisonous gasses being released and crusade very serious breathing problems. When cleaning your bathrooms, always exist certain that the room has enough of ventilation. Get out the door open, open a window, and utilize the frazzle fan, if yous have one.

Alkalis

Alkaline cleaners are equanimous of alkali salts, such equally sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda ash), sodium metasilicate, and trisodium phosphate (TSP). Along with their detergent properties, sure alkali salts have water-softening characteristics and are used in cleaning products for that purpose.

Cleaning products are available in soaps, detergents, and all-purpose cleaners. Alkalis help clean food spills, oils, grease, and everyday things that become dirty. They remove oily dirt without rubbing and vary in forcefulness from mild to moderate to strong. Refer to Table 2 for examples of alkalis establish in household cleaners.

Table 2. Examples of Alkalis in Household Cleaners

Product Brine Ingredients
All-purpose cleaners
Examples: 409, Ajax,
Borax (xx Mule Squad),
Clorox OxiMagic, Mr.
Clean, Spic and Span 		Ammonium compounds, sodium
bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium
carbonate, sodium metasilicate, trisodium
phosphate (TSP), sodium borate (borax)
Bleed cleaners Caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (lye)
Oven cleaners Caustic soda/sodium hydroxide (lye), ammonia
Scouring powders Alkali salts, sodium metasilicate,
trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Window cleaners Ammonia or ammonium compounds,
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

Uses

Mild Alkalis
For the most part, household cleaning chemicals listed in the mild alkali category are ones that contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Mixed with water, this solution is used on areas that require a mild cleaning. It safely cleans glass, wall tile, and porcelain enamels. Information technology besides removes coffee and tea stains from china and plastic dishes. Balmy alkalis are not corrosive. They are safe to use effectually children and pets.

Moderate Alkalis
Ammonia is a strong, colorless gas. When the gas is dissolved in water it is called liquid ammonia.

Ammonia is added to a number of household and commercial cleaners to boost their alkalinity and grease-cutting ability. It dries clear and unremarkably won't streak. Ammonia as well is found in glass cleaners and in cleaners used for shiny surfaces, like wax cleaners. Besides much of it can ruin or damage some surfaces, so employ it with caution.

An effective cleaning agent, ammonia's odor is the chief deterrent to its use. Never mix ammonia with chlorine and bleach products because this can release a highly toxic gas. For that matter, never mix any kind of chemicals since this can cause an unstable reaction and perhaps fumes, fire, or volatility (explosions).

  • Household ammonia—containing 5 to 10% ammonia gas in h2o—cleans kitchen range burners, ovens, windows, and mirrors.
  • Sudsy ammonia has soap or detergent added. Sudsy ammonia cleans garbage pails, kitchen range burners, and sinks.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral compound. In the home, borax is used equally a natural laundry booster; multipurpose cleaner for woodwork, walls, sinks, and carpets; deodorizer; and disinfectant. Borax is not flammable. It is not reactive and so can exist mixed with most other cleaning agents, including chlorine bleach. Information technology dissolves best in warm h2o. Borax is toxic if swallowed in large doses, and medical attention should exist sought immediately if this occurs.

Strong Alkalis
A cleaner that fits in the strong brine category destroys leaner and dissolves proteins.

Cleaning products such as oven cleaner, lye, and drain cleaners are potent alkalis. They are highly corrosive and cause chemical burns on the skin and in the lungs when inhaled.

Lye (also known equally caustic soda or sodium hydroxide) is sometimes found in drain and oven cleaners. These types of cleaners are used to unclog sink drains or in the bathroom. They should not be stored in the kitchen or bath cabinets. Lye emits dangerous fumes and tin can cause skin burns—and in some cases incomprehension—if the fumes come in contact with your optics. Products with lye can cause death if swallowed. Wear gloves and safety goggles when using these products. Also, make sure that there is skilful ventilation in the room when these cleaners are used.

Sodium carbonate (besides known as washing soda or soda ash) is used as a building block for powdered detergents and washing soda. It is used to remove fat from drains, greasy burners, and pans. This blazon of cleaner is slightly corrosive and will fire peel and corrode aluminum products.

Sodium metasilicate is mixed with water to form a cleaning solution. It makes a highly effective cleaner that tin remove dirt and marks from walls in preparation for painting, and can assault stubborn soils on siding when cleaning the exterior of a home.

Caution: Sodium metasilicate is highly alkaline. Dust from the powder can irritate the nose, eyes, and lungs. Prolonged exposure can cause skin irritation. Wearable protective gloves, middle protection, and long-sleeved shirts and pants while using this product. Wear a dust mask while mixing the powder with h2o if dust irritates nasal passages.

Store the compound in original containers in a dry location. Sodium metasilicate is highly poisonous when ingested. Store information technology out of accomplish of children or pets.

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is not commonly found in products because nearly phosphates take been phased out of cleaning products due to ecology concerns. Products that do comprise TSP are banned or restricted use in many states.

Circumspection
Most alkalis are toxic (poisonous), some are corrosive, and others irritate skin and eyes. Lye tin can burn skin severely. Alkalis remove oil from skin, then wear gloves. They also take oil from linoleum and oil-based paints and oftentimes result in cracking or peeling. They tin darken aluminum. Damage to surfaces can exist prevented by using a mildly alkaline solution and past rinsing well to remove all the cleaner.

Bleaching Agents

Bleaching agents are chemicals used to remove stains. Many bleaching agents can be used as disinfectants. If a product contains a bleaching amanuensis, the product information label may state contains bleach, bleaches as it cleans, or chlorinated.

Bleaching agents may not list the term bleach on the production label. Therefore, it is important for consumers to recognize other names for bleach. Table three provides a list of possible chemical bleaching agents that may appear on product labels.

Tabular array three. Chemical Bleaching Agents Plant on Product Labels

Chemical Use In Cleaning Products
Calcium hypochlorite Solid bleach used in sanitizing.
Hydrogen peroxide Bleaching textiles and fur.
Sodium carbonate peroxide
(or, sodium percarbonate) 		Oxygen-based bleaching agent. Releases
hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in
water. Whitens, brightens, and removes
clay and stains from surfaces and fabrics.
Sodium dichloroisocyanurate Sanitizing and dishwashing agents.
Sodium hypochlorite Household laundering and sanitizing.
Sodium perborate Milder bleach for laundering and
replacement for phosphates in detergents.

Chlorine bleach is one of the most widely available and affordable disinfectants on earth. Liquid chlorine bleach (Figure 1) is an alkali metal solution of sodium hypochlorite dissolved in h2o. Information technology is a base and is especially adept at removing stains and dyes from textiles. Additionally, chlorine bleaches are used for decision-making mold and mildew and for disinfecting surfaces.

Fig 1. A bottle of commercially available liquid chlorine bleach.

Figure 1. A bottle of commercially available liquid chlorine bleach.

Caution
Chlorine bleach is a strong corrosive fabric. Inhaling the fumes will irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Never mix bleach with toilet bowl cleaners or rust remover because a poisonous gas is produced. Never mix bleach and ammonia because this produces a dangerous compound that could result in fire.

Consumers should be enlightened that chlorine bleach can boring shiny finishes on sinks, bathtubs, and other porcelain enamel faces. Since it is an alkali, bleach volition darken aluminum and brand linoleum breakable.

Detergents

Detergents are an ingredient found in many habitation cleaning products. A detergent is a chemical substance used to break upwards and remove grease and crud. Soap is an instance of one kind of detergent. The virtually important ingredients in detergents are chemicals called surfactants—a word fabricated from bits of the words "surface active agents." Since water does not clean finer solitary, detergents assist loosen dirt. The surfactants in the detergents are used to bond water to clay and grease. They help h2o to go a hold of the grime, intermission information technology up, and wash information technology away.

Builders raise the detergent's efficiency. Phosphates are a blazon of builder commonly found in detergent products. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) and disodium phosphate are rarely used these days due to bans enacted for environmental reasons. Most phosphates in use today, referred to as complex or condensed phosphates, accept a lower alkalinity than the banned phosphates. If a complex phosphate architect has been added, the detergent will remove oily clay better. When a architect is present, the product is labeled heavy duty or all-purpose.

Some laundry detergents may be used for firm cleaning jobs. The safety of a laundry detergent depends on the make and the additional chemicals it may comprise. Cheque the product label carefully. Liquid dishwashing detergent is safety for apply around children and pets.

Spirit Solvents

Solvents are cleaning chemicals that dissolve grease, oil, and oily dirt. The ingredients in solvents include (but are not limited to) acetones, denatured alcohols, and mineral spirits. Cleaners that contain solvents include spot removers, carpeting cleaners, sanitizers, drain cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners. Examples of spirit solvents are paint thinners, turpentine, and kerosene.

Many waxes and polishes for article of furniture and floors and flooring wax removers comprise spirit solvents. Spirit solvent floor wax removers are safe and constructive for use on wood, wood composite, cork, magnesite, linoleum, concrete, and rock floors. They are used for removing wax, oil, and grease. These products are non-combustible. Note: Spirit solvent floor waxes are not to be used on asphalt, thermoplastic tiles, PVC (vinyl), or rubber floors because the solvents will damage these types of floors.

Not all floor waxes contain spirit solvents. Some are water-emulsion waxes that will harm wood and cork products. Water-emulsion waxes can exist recognized by the product label argument Keep from Freezing.

Circumspection
Most spirit solvents are combustible and must be kept away from oestrus, sparks, and open flame. By police, the characterization must signal that the product is flammable. Before using, read product labels and follow all recommended safe precautions. If solvent is spilled on clothing, don't vesture it near a oestrus source because the clothing is flammable and serious burns may occur. Exist conscientious when disposing of empty solvent containers, especially aerosol cans. Even a pocket-sized amount of solvent left in the container can ignite and cause an explosion if the canister is left in a warm identify or in direct sunlight.

Safe Treatment of Cleaning Products

Most cleaning products used in homes today are considered condom when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regulations require that all chancy substances be labeled with the argument Go on Out of the Reach of Children (Effigy two). Non all products are hazardous, simply when directions are not followed some of these products get dangerous—and some are more dangerous than others.

Fig 2. Warning label on household cleaning product.

Effigy 2. Alert characterization on household cleaning product.

The near frequent misuse is adventitious swallowing by curious children (Figure 3). Therefore, never transfer cleaners into soft drink bottles or other containers that may seem harmless to children. Proceed cleaning products in the original packaging. Buy products in childproof containers and shop them in cabinets with childproof latches.

Fig 3. Installing childproof latches on cabinets can prevent children from opening them and possibly ingesting dangerous chemicals.

Figure 3. Installing childproof latches on cabinets can prevent children from opening them and possibly ingesting unsafe chemicals. Photograph by Thomas East. Tamayo.

Many household cleaners are stored under the kitchen sink in cabinets that are non locked. This is the worst place to store household cleaners. If this is the only place where y'all can shop cleaning products, put safety latches (Figure 4) on the cabinets and drawers. The best practice is to put these products in a place that children cannot accomplish. Also, if possible, go on children and pets out of areas where cleaning products being used.

Fig 4. A childproof safety latch on a cabinet door.

Figure 4. A childproof safety latch on a cabinet door.

Keep products, such as strong acids and alkalis, directed away from skin and eyes when in use. Article of clothing protective clothing, including gloves, condom goggles, and an apron. Immediately wash off any products that you lot splash or spill on your pare.

Products containing combustible liquids should never be used near open up flames, including pilot lights on kitchen ranges or gas wearing apparel dryers, furnaces, or lit cigarettes.

Practice not get out aerosol (pressurized) containers on a kitchen range, radiator, or furnace; in direct sunlight; or near other oestrus sources. Never puncture aerosol containers. Before discarding this type of container, hold the valve open until all the contents and gas take escaped.

Never discard an empty aerosol container in a burn down or incinerator because some gas unremarkably remains. This is true even in an apparently empty can. Heat causes the gas to expand, which may lead to an explosion.

Accidents - What to Do

If an blow occurs while you are using a hazardous substance, refer to the product label for the appropriate first assistance procedures. Follow the directions advisedly. If information technology is necessary to take a child or adult to the hospital or a physician's office because of an blow, exist sure to bring along the container of the production that acquired the injury. The data on the label volition help the md give prompt and proper treatment.

If no other person is close past and you are hurt or starting to feel sick, and so do the following.

  • Household chemical splashed in the eyes. Rinse out your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
  • Household chemical splashed on the peel. Take off the wet vesture and rinse the skin for 15 to xx minutes in the shower or under a faucet. So phone call your toxicant control middle at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
  • Household chemic swallowed. Offset, drink a half glass of water. Then phone call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You tin can likewise telephone call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
  • Poisonous gas inhaled. Speedily get to fresh air. If any other person is around, they should not exhale the fumes. If yous can, open all the doors and windows wide. If not, stay in the fresh air. Telephone call your toxicant control middle at 1-800-222-1222. Y'all can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.

Exist prepared for any emergency in your habitation. Keep your local emergency number, local ambulance number, and the local poison control eye telephone numbers on or side by side to your telephone. All poison command centers now accept the same telephone number—information technology doesn't matter which state you live in. The number is 1-800-222-1222.

For more than information on utilize and disposal of household chemicals, see Cooperative Extension Service Guide G-312, Safety Use and Disposal of Household Chemicals (available from http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_g/g-312.pdf), and Guide Chiliad-313, Household Chancy Waste (available from http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_g/G-313.pdf).

Original author: Susan Holder, Extension Housing Specialist. Previously revised by Constance Kratzer, Extension Family unit Resource Management Specialist.

Fig 5. Sonja Koukel, Assistant Professor and Extension Community and Environmental Health Specialist, Department of Extension Family and Comsumer Sciences, NMSU.

Brand names appearing in publications are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Persons using such products assume responsibleness for their apply in accordance with current label directions of the manufacturer.

To discover more than resource for your business organization, home, or family, visit the Higher of Agricultural, Consumer and Ecology Sciences on the World Wide Web at aces.nmsu.edu.

Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication.

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative activity employer and educator. NMSU and the U.Due south. Section of Agriculture cooperating.

Revised and electronically distributed September 2012, Las Cruces, NM.