21st Century FEMA Study Course: Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens (IS-55) - Inside and Outside the Home, Handling, Storage and Disposal, Disaster Prevention Tips
U.S. Government, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
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Copyright 2011 Progressive Management
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IS-55
Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens
Unit 1 - Chemicals & You
* Objectives
* Chemicals & You
* What is hazardous material?
* Chemical and Physical Properties
* The pH Scale
* Matching the pH
* Chemicals and Your Body
* Summary
Unit 2 - Hazardous Materials Inside Your Home
* Objectives
* Introduction
* Hygiene
* Medical Supplies and Medicine
* Soaps and Detergents
* Pesticides
* Lead
* What's wrong here?
* Heating Product
* Flammable Liquids
* Mercury
* Batteries
* Asbestos
* Summary
Unit 3 - Hazardous Materials Outside Your Home
* Objectives
* Introduction
* Fuels and Oils
* Large Tanks
* Gas Pumps
* Automotive Products
* Solvents and Paints
* Pool and Spa Chemicals
* Compressed Gases
* Camping Supplies
* Pesticides
* Poisonous Plants
* Summary
Unit 4 - Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal
* Objectives
* Safe Handling
* Labels
* Accidents
* Personal Protective Equipment
* Goggles
* Respirators
* Personal Protective Equipment
* Storage
* Disposal
* Collection and Recycling
* Summary
Unit 5 - Disaster Prevention Tips
* Objectives
* Introduction
* Propane Cylinders
* Natural Gas
* Fuel Tanks
* Generators
* Doors
* Shelves
* Transportation
* Airplanes
* Chemical Alternatives
* Summary
* Course Glossary
Unit 1
Chemicals and You
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Define a hazardous material.
2. Define simple chemistry terms.
3. Identify four ways your body can come in contact with a chemical.
Even though we may not realize it, most American families have become dependent upon the daily use of chemical products in our homes. Many of these chemical products require special handling, storage, and disposal. We depend upon these products because they are quick and easy to use.
Dangers from chemicals depend greatly on the individuals using them. Chemicals are safe to use when people read the directions and use them correctly. Chemicals play an important role in our health, economy, and social lives by providing us with better medicines and foods, creating jobs, and making our living environment more comfortable.
What is hazardous material?
A hazardous material is any chemical when released or incorrectly used has the potential to hurt you or the environment.
When people assume they know how to deal with a chemical or they just do not follow the directions, injuries, illness, and even death can occur. Our homes can sometimes be more dangerous than a laboratory because people ignore safety measures.
Americans have about half a million different products containing chemicals available for use in our homes. Most people use chemicals safely everyday without incident, but as the number of chemical products increases, the rate of improper use and injury also increases.
Chemical and Physical Properties
The Children's Health Environmental Coalition estimates the average American has 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials in his/her home. You may not believe your home generates enough household hazardous waste to cause a problem, but when you combine it with the waste from all the other homes in your community, you can begin to understand how household hazardous products can pose a danger to your health and the environment.
There are a few simple chemical and physical properties you should keep in mind when using hazardous materials. Chemicals come in three different forms: solids, liquids, and gases. Chemicals in the home are found in all three forms.
* Solids - typically keep their own shape. Solids can be found as large chunks, crystals, or powder. Scented carpet powders and rat poison are examples of solids found in the home.
* Liquids - take on the shape of the container and when released or spilled will run everywhere. Bleach, antifreeze, and gasoline are examples of liquids found around the home.
* Gases - spread out to fill any container they occupy. Gases are all around us and constantly moving. Natural gas and propane are examples of gases used in the home.
In order for a chemical to move from a solid to a liquid or a liquid to a gas, an increase in energy is needed. Energy is usually provided through an increase in temperature (heat).
In order to reverse the process, a decrease in temperature (cooling) is needed.
The influence of temperature is important because the physical properties of chemicals can change when heated or cooled. Many liquids change to gases when heated and can create enough pressure inside a container to explode. Cooling can cause some liquids to become hard or clumpy.
Liquids have the ability to either sink or float in water. This is referred to as specific gravity. Water equals a specific gravity of 1. Any chemical with a specific gravity greater than 1 will sink; any chemical with a specific gravity of less than 1 will float. Corrosives such as drain cleaner will sink because they are very heavy compared to water. Gasoline and oil will float because they are lighter than water.
Gases also have the ability to either rise or sink compared to the air we breathe. This is referred to as vapor density. Air equals a vapor density of 1. Any gas with a vapor density greater than 1 will sink. Any gas with a vapor density of less than 1 will rise. If propane gas, which is heavier than air leaks inside your home, it will sink and stick low to the floor. Natural gas, which is lighter than air, will rise and hug the ceiling if it leaks.
The majority of chemicals found in and around your home can be grouped into 3 main groups: flammable, corrosive, poison/toxic. It is important to remember that some chemicals can fit into more than one group at a time. A chemical could be both flammable and corrosive.
* Flammable - a chemical that easily ignites or catches on fire.
* Corrosive - a chemical that can burn or destroy the skin.
* Poison/Toxic - a chemical that can hurt our body by causing injury, illness, or death. Almost any substance in a large enough amount can be poisonous/toxic.
The pH Scale
Corrosive materials include both acids and bases. Acids and bases are chemical opposites. Acids and bases can range from being very weak to being very strong.
The strength of an acid or base is measured using a pH scale. The pH scale measures the corrosiveness of a chemical ranging from 0 to 14. Pure or distilled water is 7, which is neutral. Anything lower than 7 is acidic and anything higher than 7 is basic.
Strong bases, such as ammonia, drain cleaner, and oven cleaner have a pH range of 11-14. Strong acids, such as muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid and metal cleaners range from 3-0. Strong acids and bases are highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns after brief contact with the skin.
August 2002
Des Moines, IA - A 20-year old suffered severe burns when he accidentally drank from a plastic Gatorade bottle that someone had filled with sodium hydroxide (drain cleaner). He reportedly lost his taste buds and three layers of skin from his mouth and throat.
Acids and bases make up the largest group of chemicals used in the home. Household acids are found in many tub and tile cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and batteries. Common household bases include drain openers and oven cleaners.
The label on a household chemical's container will tell you if it is corrosive but will not point out whether it is an acid or base. There is no way of knowing how strong or weak a corrosive chemical is in your home. If the label tells you it is a corrosive and has the word DANGER, it is a strong acid or base.
You might be surprised to learn many of the foods we eat are also acids and bases. Acids taste sour or tart. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits all contain citric acid. Baking soda, antacids, and tonic water are all basic and have a bitter taste. It is hard to go through a day without running into an acid or base; they are everywhere.
The pH of many household items may surprise you. Look at the list below and see if you could have guessed the pH of these items. You might be surprised at some of them. Remember, the stronger an acid or base, the more corrosive it is.
Hydrochloric or Muriatic acid (Very strong acid) = pH 0
Lime Remover (phosphoric acid) = pH 1
Lemon juice = pH 2
Vinegar = pH 3
Tomatoes = pH 4
Coffee = pH 5
Milk (Weak acid) = pH 6
Pure "distilled" water (Neutral) = pH 7
Baking soda (Weak base) = pH 8
Antacid/Calcium tablets = pH 9
Milk of magnesia = pH 10
Liquid Bleach = pH 11
Lime (for garden) = pH 12
Drain cleaner = pH 13
Oven cleaner (Very strong base) = pH 14
Chemicals can enter your body in a combination of ways. There are four main ways chemicals enter your body. The first two ways are through: swallowing or eating, and touching or direct contact with the skin.
Swallowing or eating (ingestion) - The swallowing of household hazardous materials is the number one cause of childhood poisonings. Many adults eat chemicals accidentally by touching food products without first washing their hands.
Example: Eating a hamburger while using a cleaner to wipe down your counters.
Touching or direct contact with the skin (absorption) - Some chemicals seep into the skin quickly while others enter through open wounds. Different parts of your body soak up chemicals more quickly than others. Chemicals can damage tender areas of skin, such as the groin area or stomach, more readily than tougher areas like your hands and feet. Your eyes are extremely sensitive to chemicals. Chemicals can seep into the bloodstream rapidly through contact with the eyes.
Example: Having a chemical drip or splash onto your skin.
The second two ways chemicals enter the body are through: puncture of the skin, and breathing into the lungs.
Puncture of the skin (injection) - Needle pricks from syringes are most commonly thought of when talking about punctures, however, pieces of glass or metal objects can also poke through the skin. Punctures are of great concern because they allow the chemical to immediately enter the bloodstream.
Example: stepping on a piece of glass from a broken mercury thermometer.
Breathing into the lungs (inhalation) - Breathing is the most common way of bringing chemicals into the body, and it is also the easiest to prevent. The danger from breathing chemicals is sometimes a difficult thing to understand because we cannot see or smell many of the chemicals that are most harmful to us.
Example: spraying pesticides without using appropriate respiratory protection.
Chemicals you use may affect the body both immediately and over long periods of time.
A brief contact with a large amount of a chemical can result in immediate or short-term effects. These effects are also referred to as acute. Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, nausea, coughing, and salivation.
Contact with small amounts of a chemical over long periods of time can result in long-term effects. These effects are also referred to as chronic. These effects are usually not noticed for years after contact began, but can lead to serious health problems. Health problems resulting from chronic or long-term effects include: cancer, respiratory illness, nervous system disorders, and reproductive disorders.
Three types of chemicals that harm our bodies over long periods of time include:
* Carcinogenic chemicals increase your chances of developing cancer.
* Mutagenic chemicals permanently change your DNA or genetic code, and may be passed on to future children.
* Teratogenic chemicals increase your chance of having a baby with birth defects if you are pregnant.
Some chemicals can even target specific organs such as the liver, kidneys, prostate gland in men or ovaries in women.
Our bodies can generally tolerate small amounts of most chemicals. However, many chemicals even in small amounts can trigger our natural body defenses, indicating it is more than our body can handle. Coughing, sweating, and tears are internal defenses that our body uses to keep chemicals from getting inside us.
However, it is important to keep in mind the symptoms above can also result from other medical conditions! Tracing a symptom to one source is extremely difficult, especially when it may take years for any symptoms to become noticeable.
Note: Some people may react violently to certain chemicals with a life-threatening allergic reaction including: chest pains, vomiting, and trouble breathing. In an allergic reaction, our bodies are telling us we are in severe danger. These people should seek medical attention immediately, by calling 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services!
How our bodies respond to chemicals depends on three things:
* the type of chemical
* how long we are in contact with the chemical
* the amount of the chemical
Other factors such as pre-existing medical conditions, age, gender, weight, and overall health also play a big part in how your body responds to a chemical. The overall health of a person can also negatively affect the body's ability to respond to chemicals. For example, if you smoke, your lungs may not be able to handle chemicals as well as a non-smoker's lungs.
Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more sensitive to injury or death from a chemical. A small child's immune system and internal organs may not be fully developed leaving them unable to fight off the effects of many common chemicals.
On the other hand, the elderly and people with illnesses or diseases have organs and immune systems that may be worn out or injured and are slow to respond to chemicals entering the body.
Summary
Let's review. A hazardous material is any chemical when released or incorrectly used has the potential to hurt you or the environment. When using hazardous materials, you should keep in mind some of the chemical and physical properties they possess. Chemicals can come as solids, liquids, or gases. Changes in temperature can cause chemical products to change forms. Some chemicals may move from liquids to gases or from liquids to solids depending on which way the temperature moves.
Liquids have a specific gravity which determines if they will sink or float on water. If liquids are spilled outside, they may be carried away by rainwater or a stream. Gases have a vapor density which gives them the ability to rise or sink when released. Vapors can be extremely dangerous because you may not be able to see of smell them.
Swallowing or eating, direct contact with the skin, puncture of the skin, and breathing into the lungs are the four ways chemicals can enter your body. Clearly, the best way to keep your body healthy and safe is to prevent the chemicals from getting into your body in the first place. Staying safe and healthy is why it is so important for people to be aware of the dangers that household hazardous materials pose to themselves, the community, and the environment.
Unit 2
Hazardous Materials Inside The Home
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. List what hazardous materials are commonly found in the home.
2. Identify possible hazards associated with using chemicals in the home.
3. Describe how improperly used chemicals could adversely affect your health and/or safety.
Introduction
Every year the third week of March is designated National Poison Prevention Week!
The National Center for Health Statistics reports an estimated 2.2 million poisonings were reported to poison control centers in 1998. Typically younger children, those not yet in school, are at highest risk for home poisonings because they spend the most time at home.
Hazardous materials can be found in a variety of places throughout our homes. Kitchens and bathrooms are probably the most ordinary places to store hazardous materials. Although we use many different types of chemicals in our homes, cleaning products are typically the most common. In this unit, we will discuss a variety of different hazardous materials found in the home.
The easiest, safest thing to do with hazardous materials in the home is to keep them locked up. If you can not keep hazardous products locked up, keep them out of reach and out of sight, of children. If the products are out of sight they will not draw the child's attention.
Hygiene
Hygiene and beauty supplies include: skin care products, fragrances, makeup, manicure products, hair coloring products, shampoos, deodorants, shaving products, baby products, mouthwashes, tanning products, bath oils and bubble baths.
Many of the ingredients used in hygiene and beauty supplies are poisonous if eaten, especially by children and pets. In 2000, the American Association of Poison Control Centers, reported cosmetics and personal care products were the most common form of poison exposure in children under 6 years of age. Other products such as nail polish remover and hairspray are flammable and should not be used around open flames.
New cosmetics can sometimes be very dangerous to people because unlike drugs, there are no laws to prevent cosmetics from being sold before being tested or proven safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does require manufacturers to test color additives before being used in cosmetic products.
Medical supplies and medicine include: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, home oxygen cylinders and machines, and antiseptics.
Medications are an important part of our lives. They help us to stay healthy by relieving pain, killing germs, preventing illnesses, and by curing or treating diseases. Chemistry for Changing Times states there are over 25,000 combinations of prescription medications and 300,000 combinations of over-the-counter medications available today. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications come in many shapes and sizes. The most common medications come as pills, sprays, creams, and liquids. Although many medications contain the same chemical ingredients, companies can sell them under a variety of different names.
Taking medications can sometimes be overwhelming. Before you or your child take any medications, you should consult a doctor first, especially if you or the child are taking other medications. Pills are usually brightly colored, children and pets can easily mistake them for candy. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that pills containing iron, such as vitamins, are one of the most common causes of poisoning from medication in children under age 5.
Most medications and other hazardous substances come with child-resistant lids; this does NOT mean that the containers are "child proof." Many people keep their medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet, but if a young child stands on the toilet or counter, the cabinet can easily be opened. Medications and all other hazardous products should be kept in a cabinet that locks.
Tylenol is one of the most common over-the-counter medications for pain relief, but it is extremely poisonous for cats and dogs!
Even if you keep your medicines locked up safely, people who visit your home may carry their medications in their purses or in their pockets. Also be cautious when you take your children to other people's homes, they may not lock up their medications. Many older people keep their medications divided up in pillboxes in the kitchen or beside their beds, so it is easier for them to remember to take them.
Whether pets eat pills accidentally or are given the medication by well meaning adults, it is important to remember many medications made for us are poisonous to pets. You should always contact your veterinarian before giving your pets any type of medication.
Home oxygen cylinders and concentrators pose a couple of hazards. While oxygen is not flammable, it is an oxidizer. An oxidizer is a chemical that makes things burn more rapidly. Oxygen can cause materials that would not burn in normal air to become flammable. You should stay away from all sources of open flame while using oxygen. This includes all gas appliances, candles, and cigarettes. When introduced to oxygen, flames can burn violently.
You should also avoid using oil-based health products while using oxygen, including petroleum jelly and heat rubs. These products could easily catch on fire if you come in contact with an ignition source.
* Oxygen cylinders should be secured at all times to prevent tipping. Straps and non-tip bases are available for use with home oxygen cylinders.
* Avoid dragging and rolling cylinders, even for short distances. Oxygen cylinders are under high pressure. If the valve on the top of the cylinder is broken, it can take off like a rocket hurting you or damaging your home.
* Oxygen cylinders and concentrators should be placed in areas away from heat sources including those without open flames, such as electric heaters.
* Avoid using grease or oil of any type on the fittings of oxygen cylinders or concentrators.
* NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY ATTEMPT BE MADE TO REPAIR A DAMAGED CYLINDER OR VALVE! Contact the equipment provider for assistance.
Soaps and Detergents
Soap and detergents include: hand soaps, laundry detergent, fabric softener, stain sticks, multipurpose cleaners, dish liquids, carpet cleaners, antibacterial and disinfectant cleaners, special purpose cleaners, and metal cleaners.
Soaps and detergents are things we use everyday. The cleansing ability of soaps and detergents is essential to ensure proper hygiene and public health. We use them to remove dirt from our bodies, clothes, and home. According to the Soap and Detergent Association, soap and detergent products can be grouped into four main groups:
personal cleansing products
laundry products
dishwashing products
household cleaners
Soaps and Detergents (Cont'd)
The group of soaps and detergents to be most concerned about are the household cleaners. They can come in a variety of forms. There are two basic types of cleaners:
* Multi-purpose cleaners are usually less powerful and able to be safely used on almost any surface.
* Specialty cleaners are designed to be used on specific surfaces and to remove certain types of dirt.
For example, window cleaners, oven cleaners, and metal cleaners are designed to remove dirt on specific surfaces. Window cleaner will not work to remove baked-on grease in the oven, while the oven cleaner will not clean windows.
Disinfectant (antibacterial/antimicrobial) cleaners contain special ingredients to kill bacteria and viruses. These cleaners are frequently used in kitchens where food is cooked, prepared, and served; to prevent contamination. Products that claim they have antibacterial or disinfectant properties are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to undergo testing.
Only products that meet the EPA requirements are approved for sale as disinfectants. All approved products must carry the EPA registration number on their label. It is important to read the label for instructions on use. IMPORTANT: Over-use of disinfectants may lead to a build up of antibacterial-resistant germs!
Clogged drains are an inconvenience. Drain cleaners contain sodium hydroxide, a strong base (about 13 on the pH scale). Drain cleaners are very corrosive and react with the water in the pipe to create heat. The heat is what melts away grease and other substances that are clogging the drain.
When different types of drain cleaner are used or when it is mixed with another cleaner, it can sometimes react violently creating toxic gases, splashing, or extreme heat that could cause the pipes to explode. Reactions like this leave the home-owner with a dangerous situation and messy clean up. Preventing grease and hair build-up in the first place is the easiest way to make sure your pipes will not get clogged.
Chlorine gas was used in World War I as a chemical weapon to kill enemy troops!
Most people do not realize how dangerous the chemicals under their sink really are. When used alone, cleaning products generally remain safe. When they are mixed with other cleaners, it can result in a disastrous situation. When bleach is mixed with other cleaning agents containing hydrochloric acid such as toilet bowl cleaner, toxic chlorine gas is produced. After coming in contact with chlorine gas, many people suffer from burning eyes, nausea, and difficulty breathing. If enough gas is inhaled, death can occur.
Bleach and ammonia are the two most commonly misused household cleaning chemicals. When bleach and ammonia are mixed, they create a chloramine gas, similar to chlorine and just as toxic. Breathing in these gases can cause permanent damage to the inside of your nose, mouth and lungs.
Pesticides
Pesticides include: rodenticides, fungicides, and insecticides.
You may think you do not have pesticides in your home, but if you have pets, you probably have flea and tick collars, flea dips and shampoos.
* Insecticides are used to kill insects. Most insecticides are very specific as to what type of insect they will work on. Flea sprays do not work to kill wasps.
* Fungicides are used to kill fungus. The most common fungicide used in the home is mold and mildew remover used in bathrooms.
* Rodenticides are used to kill rodents. Mouse poison is commonly used in many households. Mouse poison is typically placed inside of cabinets, in corners, or behind furniture. This is especially dangerous if you have small children or pets because they can easily mistake the poison for food or candy.
Bug repellents are not normally thought to be pesticides, but some products do contain Diethyltoluamide (DEET). DEET was widely used years ago to repel mosquitoes carrying malaria. As with any chemical, avoid overuse and use with caution on children or people with skin disorders. In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency reported 80,000 children were poisoned by pesticides in the home.
You should also use caution when applying insecticides to your pets. Be sure to thoroughly rinse flea and tick shampoo from pets' coats. Residue can cause skin irritation or be licked off by the animal. Flea collars should also be securely fastened around the animal's neck so it can not chew or pull the collar off. Poisoning of pets can result from improper use of insecticides.
Some pesticides are also flammable. Read the label! Foggers are typically flammable; before using inside the home, it is important to extinguish all flames including pilot lights on gas appliances.
Pesticide usage in the home can be reduced by using the following preventive techniques:
* Block holes and cracks where pests can enter using weather stripping material or caulking;
* Remove or seal all food sources (including garbage cans);
* Fix leaky pipes and keep open water supplies to a minimum;
* Bathe pets regularly and keep their bedding clean;
* Keep your house picked up (do not give the pests places to hide) and vacuum regularly.
If you have a small pest problem such as a few flies or bees, try using a fly swatter to kill them. If you have a problem with mice try using spring-loaded mousetraps rather than poison or use non-toxic glue boards.
Lead
Sources of lead include: candles, old painted surfaces, old pipes, and solder around pipes.
Lead poisoning is of greatest concern with respect to children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 1 out of every 25 children has unsafe levels of lead in their blood. Lead hazards are typically found in older homes. Lead poisoning can occur by drinking water contaminated with lead, eating chips of lead paint, or breathing in dust from remodeling. Lead poisoning is of greatest concern to babies and small children because the lead causes anemia, digestive problems, and damage to the central nervous system. Children exposed to lead can develop brain damage including a variety of learning and behavioral disabilities.
Symptoms of lead poisoning, according to the National Institute of Health Sciences, include: headaches, muscle and joint weakness or pain, excessive tiredness or lethargy, behavioral problems or irritability, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms are shared by many other illnesses. However, in cases where the symptoms occur for an extended period of time and no other cause has been found, lead poisoning should be considered.
Lead paint was banned in 1978. The National Safety Council reports, 2/3 of homes built before 1940 and 1/2 of homes built between 1940 and 1960 contain lead-based paints. Few homes built after 1960 contain lead paints. Even if you are careful, small children and pets can still accidentally ingest paint by chewing on toys that collect tiny dust particles of the paint. If you have lead paint in your home and would like it removed, contact a professional. It is safer to pay a professional to do the removal than to try to do it yourself.
Many homes built before World War II have lead water pipes which may corrode and add lead to drinking water. Some newer copper pipes also pose a risk because they may have been installed with lead solder. Lead pipes are gray and do not attract magnets. If you suspect you have lead pipes, get your water tested to make sure the water you are drinking is safe. Call your county health department to get names of licensed testing facilities.
A recent study conducted by the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that there is a significant amount of lead given off by burning candles with lead wicks. Lead given off from candles affects children more severely, than adults. Lead wicks are most likely found in container, pillar, votive and tea light candles made in other countries.
Before you purchase a candle, check with the store to make sure they sell only candles with cotton wicks. Check the candles you already have in your home to see if there is a piece of metal in the middle of the wick. Although this is not an accurate way to tell whether or not the metal is lead, you may feel safer replacing or not burning those candles.
The National Lead Information Center is available for questions and to provide information to the general public at 1-800-424-LEAD.
Below are the hazards that are found in an example kitchen as well as an explanation.
1. Can of Pam cooking spray left on top of the stove next to the burner. Pressurized or aerosol cans, such as Pam, should be kept away from sources of heat to prevent the can from exploding.
2. In the cabinet under the sink you see bleach and various other cleaners. Safety locks should be installed on all cabinet doors where chemicals are stored, because there is a child present in the home.
3. In another lower kitchen cabinet you see a few cans of paint . Flammable liquids, such as these should be stored away from your home in a locked metal cabinet.
4. Pan around the room and see flea killer room and pet spray sitting on the counter. Products containing pesticides should be kept locked up out of sight and reach of children.
5. Pan further and see several medication bottles sitting on the edge of the counter. These include: Tylenol and liquid Benedryl. All medications, including vitamins, should be stored in a locked cabinet out of sight and reach of children.
6. Looking down on the floor you see a container of Lysol floor cleaner sitting next to a bucket and mop. A baby is playing on the floor right next to the bucket. Always keep cleaning products out of the sight and reach of children and animals.
Some things are done correctly:
1. A candle in a jar is burning on the counter. Burning candles like this one with a lead free wick is important, especially if you have children.
2. In the other cabinet door, under the sink you find a pair of yellow gloves. Buying gloves to protect your hands when working with chemicals is a good idea.
Heating Product
Heating products include: propane or LP gas, natural gas, kerosene, fuel oils, starter logs or bricks, lighters and starter fluid for use in stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters, wood/coal stoves, dryers, and fireplaces.
While propane, natural gas, kerosene, and fuel oils are not typically found inside the home, any of the above heating appliances that burn these fuels have the potential to release carbon monoxide (CO) gas when not working properly. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that weighs about the same as air. When released, CO gas will move evenly throughout your home.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates on average 10,000 people are treated each year in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning. Deaths resulting from carbon monoxide averaged more than 500 per year.
CO poisoning can sometimes be misdiagnosed as the flu because many of the symptoms are the same.
Small children and pets are typically the first to develop symptoms of CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen in your blood from being released to tissue and organs in your body. Organs and tissue, especially your brain, need oxygen to function correctly.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include: headache, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and nausea. Symptoms typically will disappear when you are away from your home. If the problem is not corrected, symptoms will return and worsen with extended stays in your home. A simple carbon monoxide detector can be purchased from hardware or home improvement stores to help prevent CO poisoning.