Cleaning Products

Common household cleaners often contain some very toxic ingredients. The words "Danger," "Warning," and "Caution" printed on product labels mean just what they say, and the products can create serious health hazards right in your home.

For example, crystal drain cleaners and oven cleaners contain lye, a corrosive chemical that can cause permanent eye and skin damage. Many metal polishes and cleaners are both toxic and flammable. These products may contain petroleum distillates, which can harm the lungs if inhaled and can result in chemical pneumonia. Furniture polishes may also contain petroleum distillates, and the lemon-scented brands can fool children into thinking they're food products.

Children under the age of 6 are at a higher risk for poisoning by household chemicals. Keep the Poison Control Center number by your telephone -- 800-222-1222.

In this age group, children identify things by color, size, and pattern. Because of that, children may be fooled by toxic look-alikes -- cleaning products that look like familiar foods. This may be due to the color of the product, such as a clear plastic jug of apple juice and a clear plastic jug of a common wood cleaner. Or, it may be due to the shape and color of the packaging.

Safer Options

Here are some ways to make cleaning less hazardous:

• Clean more frequently-don't wait for it to become a big job that's more difficult to clean.
• Choose manual solutions, like using a mechanical snake to clear a clogged drain.
• Choose less toxic cleaners at the store. Read the label for the warning words, which are the key to knowing just how toxic a product is. For example, the word "Danger" means the product is highly toxic-a taste to a teaspoon may be fatal for a 60 lb. human or animal. The word "Caution" means the product has a lower toxicity. Better yet, choose non-toxic products safe enough to require no warning words.
• Make your own non-toxic cleaners! See the Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes booklet.

Safe Disposal

Be sure to dispose of toxic household cleaners carefully. Bring them to a CVSWMD hazardous waste collection. Call for more information and assistance.