What do hazardous household chemicals include

Young children are much more likely to swallow chemicals, even those with a very unpleasant taste such as mineral turpentine or caustic soda. By following a few simple precautions when buying, using, storing and disposing of chemicals , the risk of someone being poisoned in your home can be minimised. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional.

Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

EPA considers some leftover household products that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic as household hazardous waste. Products, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care when you dispose of them. Many communities have collection programs for HHW to reduce potential harm posed by these chemicals.

To avoid the potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important that people always monitor the use, storage, and disposal of products with potentially hazardous substances in their homes.

Improper disposal of HHW can include pouring them down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or in some cases putting them out with the regular trash. The dangers of such disposal methods might not be immediately obvious, but improper disposal of these wastes can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health.

Certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers, contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets. They can also present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients. Learn about the use of alternative methods or products—without hazardous ingredients—for some common household needs.

When shopping for items such as multipurpose household cleaners, toilet cleaners, laundry detergent, dish soap, dishwashing machine pods and gels, bug sprays and insect pest control, consider shopping for environmentally friendly, natural products or search online for simple recipes you can use to create your own. Below are some ideas to get you started. Most chemical products carry hazard symbols telling you whether a substance is harmful and in what way. You might see one or more symbols on a single product.

Sometimes, labels will give details of the supplier so you can get further advice. Medicines are specialist chemicals. Like other chemicals they should be:. If a product is leaking, expired or looks bad, you should dispose of it. Never pour products down the drain unnecessarily — remember that your drainage ends up in seas and rivers.

If you or a member of your family may have swallowed or come into contact with a potentially toxic chemical, you must seek medical advice. Remember to provide a full description of the product and describe any symbols or guidance from the manufacturer detailed on the bottle or package. Play it safe, slow down, take care. We will not reply to your feedback.

Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers.

The nidirect privacy notice applies to any information you send on this feedback form. Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to anglingcorrespondence daera-ni. If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit. Contacts for common benefits are listed below. Call Email dcs. Call Email customerservice.