Household Chemicals - Unknown Dangers

Introduction

Chemicals are used in every home daily in one form or another. These include fuels, paints, cleaning products, laundry detergents, and powders. These may result in burns, fires, poisoning, or explosions if not handled properly. Household chemicals are one of the top chemical products responsible for death and injuries in children below five years of age.

What Are Some of the Common Household Chemicals?

Certain household products that contain hazardous substances depending on different home areas are:

Bathroom Chemical Products:

• Toilet cleaner.

• Shower, tile, and bathroom cleaner.

• Soaps, shampoo, and conditioners.

• Mouthwash, hand sanitizers, perfumes, and after-shave.

• Gels and moisturizers.

Kitchen and Laundry Area:

• Hand sanitizers.

• Liquid petroleum gas.

• Drain cleaners.

• Floor polish.

• Dishwashing detergents.

• Laundry detergents.

• Oven cleaners.

• Kerosene.

• Matches.

• Insect poison.

• Window spray.

• Disinfectant.

Bedroom and Family Area:

• Alcohol.

• Paints.

• Essential oils.

• Medicines.

• Air fresheners.

• Bubble-blowing solutions.

• Incense.

Garage Poison:

• Herbicides.

• Weed killer.

• Pesticides.

• Petrol.

• Fertilizers.

• Paint.

• Turpentine.

What Must Be Considered While Using Household Chemicals?

1. Before Using:

• Buy only what is essential.

• Go for alternative options if these contain less hazardous chemicals.

• Go thoroughly through the label before using the product; the label contains all safety information, including what to do in an emergency.

• Go through the product’s safety data sheet if more information is needed.

• Do a patch test before using toiletries or cosmetics to check for allergies or skin irritations.

2. When Using the Product:

• Use the right product for the right purpose; for example, avoid using a product for flea treatment on dogs or cats.

• Avoid mixing chemicals unless it is safe to do so.

• Follow all safety instructions present on the label while using the product.

• Keep the windows and doors open while using heavy-duty products.

• Avoid using spray cans when it is windy.

• Keep the products out of reach of pets and children.

3. After Using the Product:

• Ensure that the lid is tightly closed after use and that there are no leaks.

• Clean up any spills.

What Are the Safety Considerations for Storing Household Chemicals?

• Store the product out of reach of pets and children. Even those with child-resistant packaging may not be childproof.

• Keep away from medicines, pet food, food, and water.

• Avoid storing huge amounts of flammable products like petrol near or inside the house.

• Avoid anything hot like a stove, fireplaces, barbeques, etc.

• Follow the special storage instructions on the product label. For example, if asked to store in a dry and cool place, follow it.

• Avoid transferring chemicals into drink or food containers as there is a chance that children may mistakenly consume these.

• Store the product in the original container itself. Avoid storing chemicals in an unlabelled container, in a container with which the chemical may react, or in unsealed containers.

• Properly seal the containers before putting them away.

• Check the product’s expiry date; if it has expired, dispose of it.

• Store the product in a cabinet or cupboard and a well-ventilated area.

• Regularly check that the storage containers are not leaking or damaged.

• If possible, store these products in a building not connected to the house’s ventilation system.

• Do not store chemical products in areas that have fluctuating temperatures.

How to Safely Dispose off Household Chemicals?

• Follow municipal guidelines for disposing of chemical products and hazardous wastes.

• Prescription drugs should be disposed of safely.

Some chemicals require special disposal like:

• Rechargeable batteries should be returned to the supplier or battery recharging facility.

• Fire extinguishers should be returned to the local fire station.

• Expired or unwanted medications should be returned to the local pharmacist.

• Single-use batteries should be given to battery recharging bins.

• Chemicals should not be poured down the drain or flushed into the toilet.

What Are the Steps to Be Taken in Case of a Chemical Emergency?

In case a chemical poisoning has taken place or is suspected, look for the following symptoms:

• Breathing difficulty.

• Vomiting.

• Abdominal pain.

• Confusion.

• Drowsiness.

• Blurred vision or headache.

• Burns.

• Anaphylactic reaction (a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical care).

Poisoning may look similar to other conditions like drunkenness, drug use, stroke, etc. Look out for evidence indicating chemical poisoning like an empty bottle, burns, chemical smell, etc. Seek immediate medical attention in case of poisoning. Till medical care is received, the following measures can be taken:

• If the poison was inhaled, shift the victim to a fresh air region.

• If the eye is exposed to poison, flush with copious amounts of water.

• If the skin is exposed to poison, wear gloves, remove the victim’s clothing, and wash the body with water.

• If the exposed chemical poison is a household product, look for the label’s information on accidental poisoning.

• If the poison is solid, clean the victim’s mouth using fingers.

• If the poison is liquid, ask the victim to spit it out and rinse with water. If the victim is a child, use a washcloth.

What Are Hazard Symbols?

Hazard symbols are present on the labels of various household products. A hazard symbol mainly has three parts:

• The picture or image.

• The frame.

• The signal word beneath the image.

The picture denotes the type of danger:

• Corrosive - The product can cause skin or eye burns.

• Explosive - The product can explode if heated.

• Poison - The product ingested, licked, or inhaled can result in poisoning and can even be fatal.

• Flammable - The product can catch fire near a flame, heat, or spark.

The shape of the hazard symbol frame denotes the part of the product that is dangerous:

• If the frame is in a triangle, then the container is dangerous.

• If the frame is in the form of an octagon, then the contents are dangerous.

The signal word beneath the image denotes the degree of risk:

• Caution - Indicates that temporary injury can occur, and extreme exposure may result in death.

• Danger - Indicates temporary or permanent injury or death.

• Extreme Danger - Indicates that even low exposure can result in serious injury or death.

Conclusion:

Household chemicals are an unavoidable part for everyone as these are essential for routine household activities like cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, etc. However, one must be aware that these can turn into potentially harmful chemicals if used improperly. One should thoroughly review the product label and follow all precautionary measures to reduce dangers. Extreme care should be taken to keep these products out of reach of children and pets.