Toxic waste has been a major environmental issue of the 20th century. Due to the rapid growth of the world's chemical industry, the earth is now suffering the consequences of a constant need for human improvements. Everyday household items add to the increasing load of toxic waste. Motor oil, pesticides, household cleaners, mothballs, and old paint cans are examples of what an average family uses in their home that causes a hazard to to the environment. On average, a household in the United States disposes of one pound of these toxic items. Although one pound may seem a small amount, it adds up.
When people look at the back of a household product and see a warning sign, they usually take some amount of caution with it. Products such as household pesticides and drain cleaners are more likely to make people be more cautious than other products such as glue, paint, and nail polish which do not alert people as strongly because they emit a "friendly image". People have to also treat these products with caution as they would others. The reasons have to be aware of household products are simple; not only do some of the chemicals pose a risk to the environment of the earth, but are a risk to the well being of the people using them.
The range of household products that contain potentially harmful substances is wide reaching and diverse. Some of the products release contaminants right away, while others do so regularly, over a period of time. The harmful components in many household products can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, and eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation; some can cause cancer.
Contamination from many household products, if limited to low levels for short periods of time does not pose a serious health threat. However, contamination can occur over a long period of time from a variety of sources, and harmful effects can occur. Where there is prolonged exposure and where there is a possible multiplying effect from the presence of contamination from many different products, the effects can be serious, even fatal. Pesticides present a particular problem over and above other household products because many designed for home use are sold without adequate safety testing for cancer, potential for causing birth defects, and other possible health effects. Overuse of pesticides in the home or in closed spaces is dangerous. It is best, to either not use pesticides or to use them sparingly, with proper ventilation. Avoid using highly toxic pesticides; in many cases, a less toxic product will suffice.
There are five basic rules to follow when using hazardous household products:
- Whenever possible, avoid using hazardous household products. Use non toxic alternatives instead.
- When purchasing household products, buy only only as much as you need; do not buy bulk quantities. Store hazardous products and materials carefully.
- Dispose of hazardous products carefully.
- Always read the product label and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Minimize exposure when using hazardous products.
Hazardous substances may enter your body in three ways-ingestion, inhalation and absorption through the skin. Toxins can be ingested by eating or drinking hazardous substances or contaminated food and water. Ingestion is a major cause of poisonings in children 6 and under. Keep hazardous products out of the reach of children and in a locked area.
When you are working with hazardous products, avoid putting anything in your mouth. Don't eat, don't smoke, don't drink, don't even place things that enter your mouth in the work area. When you're finished remove any contaminated clothing and wash your hands and other exposed body parts. Then you can put something in your mouth.
Toxins can be inhaled. Gases, vapors, and sprays pass directly through the lungs and enter the blood. That is why good ventilation is essential. When you are working inside, use a fan to direct air away from the work area to open windows. Air conditioners do not provide sufficient ventilation since they recirculate air. Thus they do not remove contaminants. If you can smell a toxic chemical, your ventilation is not sufficient (although some harmful chemicals have no odor). Use a mask or respirator to protect yourself.
Toxins can be absorbed through the skin. Hazardous products containing irritants or corrosives will injure the skin and then are absorbed. Some hazardous chemicals can be absorbed without causing any damage to the skin. Wear gloves and/or protective clothing. Your eyes are also vulnerable to injury. Many hazardous products can cause eye damage if splashed into the eye. Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, and paint thinners are just three examples. Wear goggles when working with these products. Regular eyeglasses do not provide enough protection. Do not wear contact lenses (especially soft lenses) when working with hazardous products. The lenses absorb the vapors and then hold the irritant against your eye.
