Chemicals at Home: Are you Putting your Family at Risk?

Everyone loves a clean house. But did you know that some of the cleaning products we use every day could be exposing us to harmful substances?

Household chemical products are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five. Because of their inquisitive nature, bad tastes and odors often do not keep children away from household chemical products. Even a small amount of a chemical product can be harmful to a child.

Many people use chemical products in and around their home and garage. Examples include cleaning liquids and powders, polishes, drain cleaners, paint thinners and windshield washer fluids. Chemicals can be dangerous and cause burns, fires, poisonings and explosions if not used or stored according to the directions on the product label.

As we start a new year, Health Canada is reminding people to use household chemicals safely by following this simple four-step process – Read, Use, Store and Dispose.

1. Read and understand the label before you buy or use a household chemical product. Carefully follow the directions, paying close attention to hazard symbols.

2. Use household chemical products carefully. Never mix household chemicals together. Check that child-resistant closures are working properly – child-resistant does not mean child-proof. Check that child-resistant closures are working properly. Never leave an open container unattended, even for a moment. Teach your children the hazard symbols and what they mean (you can find them on the web page “Household chemical safety” at www.healthycanadians.gc.ca).

3. Store household chemical products according to the instructions on the product label and in their original containers. Make sure that all safety information is readable. Keep all household chemical products safely locked away where children cannot see or reach them. If possible, keep flammable products in a separate building or store them according to label instructions.

4. Dispose of leftover household chemical products safely. Check with your local municipality for safe disposal guidelines.

5. Only buy what you need and never bury or burn household chemical containers or pour contents down the drain. Never re-use empty chemical containers.

For more tips on identifying and handling hazards in your home, check the guide at healthycanadians.gc.ca/hazardcheck.

www.newscanada.com