![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Sure, your home is clean... but is it safe for your family?
EPA530-F-06-013
October 2006
Be smart about using household products!
Be smart when you use, store, and dispose of household products.
Did
you know that the products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair
and gardening can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family and
your environment?
These products may harm your children and pets, cause physical injury to sanitation workers if put out for regular trash pick-up, and contaminate septic tanks or pollute the ground water if poured down drains and toilets.
Here’s what you can do to safeguard your family, your home and your
community...
Never...
|
Always...
READ the Label
Before you buy, always check the product labels. Look for labeling that
reads "DANGER," "WARNING,” "CAUTION," "TOXIC,"
"CORROSIVE," "FLAMMABLE," or "POISON." These
warnings tell you if the product is harmful to you, your family and the
environment, and how to use, store and dispose of it safely.
Pay close attention to the labels on:
- Drain Openers
- Oven Cleaners
- Automotive Oil and Fuel Additives
- Paint Thinners, Strippers and Removers
- Grease and Rust Removers
- Glues
- Bug and Weed Killers
- Mold and Mildew Removers
KEEP products in their original containers and store them safely away from children and pets
DISPOSE of household products safely
Many communities hold special collection days or have special drop-off
sites for harmful household products. Contact your local trash service
for help, call EARTH 911 (1-877-EARTH-911), or visit www.earth911.org 
.
TRY alternative products when available
For everyday tasks, try household products that are less harmful. Remember to follow the same rules about storing these products and never mix these products together.
- Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.
- Furniture Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of vegetable oil.
- Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle liberally with baking soda and vacuum after 15 minutes.
- Plant Spray: Wipe leaves with mild soap and water and rinse.
- Mothballs: Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white
peppercorns.
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The average home can have as much as 100 pounds
of environmentally harmful products in the basement, garage and
other storage areas. Make sure yours is safe. |
View and print this brochure (PDF) (2 pp, 539K, about PDF).
