Hazardous Materials:
Be Smart, Be Safe
Hazardous materials at home including cleaners, art supplies, medicines, gasoline, motor oil can cause injury if used, stored or disposed of incorrectly. Unsafe handling or storage can cause problems to the nervous system, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns and rash. Follow safe practices for handling hazardous materials at home and work, and keep all dangerous substances out of the reach of children.
MERCURY
Hazard: A glass thermometer shatters, spilling mercury on the floor or countertop into the sink.
Danger: Mercury is toxic and hazardous. It easily vaporizes and can be inhaled, or it can be absorbed through the skin. Even a small amount of mercury poses a particular danger to children if it vaporizes and is inhaled.
What to do: Ventilate the area immediately; Do not wash mercury down the drain or vacuum. Use a piece of cardboard to push the beads together. Wear neoprene gloves and use tape to pick up the beads. Uses a flashlight to detect missed beads. Push any mercury left into an envelope, seal in a plastic bag and disposed of with a licensed hazardous waste vendor.
ANTI-FREEZE
Hazard: You’ve just changed your anti-freeze, and spilled it or left it in a bucket in the driveway while you get ready to dispose of it.
Danger: Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets and children, but it’s a deadly poison.
What to do: Clean up spills immediately. Even a small amount of ingested anti-freeze can kill. Follow proper disposal guidelines. Store out of reach of children and pets. Better yet, use anti-freeze coolant made with propylene glycol; small amounts ingested are not as dangerous.
PAINT
Hazard: Many people are unaware of proper storage, transportation and disposal methods for paint and solvents.
Danger: Most paints and solvents are flammable or combustible, and many can be poisonous when inhaled or when the substance makes contact with the skin.
What to do: Always read and follow label directions carefully. Other Hidden Hazards can be found around the house and work environments. Keep the following safety tips in mind:
Don’t eat or drink chemicals.
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Keep the workplace clean, return cleaners and other materials to proper storage areas.
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Take note of unusual dusts, vapors or odors – they could signal a possibly harmful substance.
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Clean up any spills of potentially hazardous materials immediately.
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Store all chemicals in their original covered containers with labels and warnings clearly visible.
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Wash your hands and clothes after handling any chemical products.
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Use materials that produces dust or fumes only in well ventilated areas.
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Keep the Poison Control Number posted by the telephone.
