Household chemical products play a vital role in our daily lives, aiding us in maintaining clean and functional living spaces. From cleaning liquids and powders to drain cleaners, paints, and detergents, these products offer convenience but can also pose significant risks if not handled with care. In this article, we’ll explore essential guidelines for the safe use, storage, and disposal of household chemicals to ensure the well-being of your family and the environment.

Choosing the Right Household Chemicals

When purchasing household chemical products, it’s essential to be an informed consumer. Follow these tips:

1. Read the Label: Always read the product label to identify its ingredients and any specific handling instructions. Understanding what you’re using is the first step in ensuring safety.
2. Eco-Friendly Options: Look for eco-labels like biobased, biodegradable, ecologo, EPA safer choice, Leaping Bunny (products not tested on animals), organic, and naturally derived. These labels indicate products that are safer for both your family and the environment.
3. Hazard Symbols: Familiarize yourself with hazard symbols displayed on product labels. These symbols convey important information about potential dangers. Learning them can prevent accidents and save lives.
4. Recall Checks: Before purchasing, check if the product has been recalled. Some household chemicals may be banned due to harmful ingredients or unsafe components.
5. Choose Wisely: Opt for low-emission paints, varnishes, and glues to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Safe Handling Practices

Once you’ve acquired household chemical products, it’s crucial to use them safely:

1. Read the Label: Always follow the usage instructions provided on the product label. This includes recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Avoid Mixing: Never mix household chemical products unless directed to do so on the label. Certain combinations can produce harmful gases.
3. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans during and after using these products.
4. Personal Protective Equipment: Wear recommended PPE, such as gloves, goggles, masks, and protective clothing, as indicated on the product label.
5. Hand Hygiene: After using a household chemical product, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Child Safety: Ensure that child-resistant closures are functional, but remember, they are not child-proof. Always securely close the container.
7. Educate Children: Teach children to recognize hazard symbols as a sign of danger and instruct them never to touch these products.
8. Emergency Preparedness: Program emergency numbers into your phone for quick access in case of accidents.

Proper Storage

Storing household chemical products safely is vital to prevent accidents:

1. Original Containers: Store products in their original containers and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Safety Information: Keep all safety information provided with the product.
3. Out of Reach: Store these products out of sight and reach of children and pets.
4. Flammable Products: Products like paints, solvents, gasoline, fuels, and varnishes that emit harmful fumes or are flammable should be stored outside your home and away from ventilation systems.
5. Temperature Stability: Avoid storing chemical products in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
6. Regular Inspection: Periodically check containers for leaks or damage and replace them if necessary.

Proper Disposal

Follow these guidelines for safe disposal of household chemical products:

1. Municipal Guidelines: Adhere to your local municipal guidelines for disposing of chemicals and hazardous waste.
2. Prescription Drugs: Dispose of prescription drugs safely and according to recommended methods.
3. Never: Never reuse empty containers, burn household chemicals and containers, or pour contents down the drain unless instructed.
4. Reduce Waste: Minimize waste by buying only what you need.
5. Pesticides: Learn how to use pesticides safely, following all recommended precautions.

Laundry Detergent Packets and COVID-19 Cleaning

Keep laundry detergent packets out of reach of children and individuals with cognitive impairments due to their potential hazards.

Regarding COVID-19 cleaning, while cleaning products can’t claim to kill the virus, they are effective in reducing its spread. Clean high-touch surfaces regularly with household cleaners or diluted bleach for added safety.

Bleach Safety

If using bleach, follow these safety precautions:

1. Never Mix: Never mix bleach with other cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia or acids, as this can produce toxic gases.
2. Skin Protection: Use goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin.
3. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation during and after using bleach.
4. Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water after using bleach.
5. Storage: Keep bleach out of the reach of children.

For more information on safe household bleach usage, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

What to Do in Case of Exposure

If someone is exposed to a household chemical product and you suspect harm:

1. Contact a Poison Center: Call a poison center or healthcare provider immediately.
2. Provide Information: Share the information on the product label, including first aid instructions.
3. Bring the Container: Take the product container with you when seeking help.
4. Report to Health Canada: Report the incident to Health Canada.

Understanding Hazard Symbols

Hazard symbols are crucial indicators on household chemical product labels. These symbols typically consist of a picture, a frame, and caution words underneath. Familiarize yourself with these symbols to stay informed about potential dangers.

In conclusion, safe handling of household chemical products is paramount to protect your family’s well-being and the environment. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of these products while minimizing the associated risks.

1. Hazard symbol pictures

The picture tells you the type of danger:

EXPLOSIVE
The container can explode if heated or punctured. Flying pieces of metal or plastic from the container can cause serious injury, especially to your eyes.

CORROSIVE
The product can burn your skin or eyes. If swallowed, it can damage your throat and stomach.

FLAMMABLE
The product or its fumes will catch fire easily if it is near heat, flames, or sparks. Rags used with this product may begin to burn on their own.

POISON
If you swallow, lick, or in some cases, breathe in the chemical, you could become very sick or die.

2. Hazard symbol frames

The shape of the frame around the hazard symbol tells you what part of the product is dangerous:

If it’s a triangle, it means the container is dangerous.

If it’s an octagon, it means the contents are dangerous.

3. Signal words

The signal word(s) underneath the hazard symbol explain the degree of risk:

Symbol –

Signal word – DANGER EXPLOSIVE

Signal words:

• CAUTION means temporary injury may result. Death may occur with extreme exposure.
• DANGER means may cause temporary or permanent injury, or death.
• EXTREME DANGER means exposure to very low amounts may cause death or serious injury.

Check for product recalls and report any injuries or other product-related health and safety concerns.

Culled from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety CCOHS.