Spotlight Topic
The spotlight topic for the month of February is Household Product Safety . The unsafe use of many common household products can cause many undesirable health effects. So protect yourself, family, and pets.
Common Household Products
Kitchen/Laundry Projucts
| Ammonia | Bleach | Bug killers* |
| Carpet/upholstery cleaner | Cleaners | Dishwater detergents |
| Disinfectants | Drain cleaners* | Fabric softeners |
| Floor cleaners | Furniture polishes | Laundry detergents |
| Metal cleaners | Oven cleaners* | Rust removers |
| Scouring powders | Spot removers | Spray starches |
Bathroom
| Air fresheners | After-shave lotions | Colognes/perfumes |
| False fingernail remover* | Hair removers | Hair styling products |
| Lotions/creams/oils | Makeup | Mothballs |
| Mouthwash* | Nail-polish remover | Rubbing alcohol* |
| Shampoos | Shaving creams | Soaps |
| Toliet bowl cleaners* |
Garage/Basement/Storage
| Antifreeze* | Bug killers* | Fertilizers |
| Gasoline | Gluses | Kerosene |
| Lighter fluids | Lime* | Lye* |
| Paints | Paint thinners | Pool supplies |
| Rodent killers | Turpentines | Weed killers* |
| Windshield wiper fluids* |
*The poisons marked with an asterisk (*) can be very dangerous. Be very careful when using and storing these poisons.
Hardous Ingredients
Products to watch for are those containing volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. Some may be flammable. The following are some compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde.
Health Effects
Short-term effect include: eye, nose and throat irritation, and headaches. Long-term exposure can cause loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous systems. Some organics can cause cancer in animals and are suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Step to Reduce Exposure
- Read the product label.
- Note product's ingredients and beware of any warnings of its use.
- Always use product only for intended purpose according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
- Use the product in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep product in orginal container.
- Quickly attend to spills.