Household Product Safety

The unsafe use of many common household products can cause many undesirable health effects. To protect yourself and your family, read on.

Q: What are some of the products I should be aware of?
A: Solvents, paints, paint strippers, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, moth repellents, air fresheners, stored fuels, automotive products, hobby supplies, pesticides and some cleaners and disinfectants.

Q: What are the particular ingredients in these products that I should be concerned about?
A: The products to watch for are those containing volatile organic compounds, which are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. Some may be flammable.
Following are some of the compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde. Other household product ingredients can also be a hazard if they are used improperly.

Q: What are some of the health effects?
A: Short-term effects include eye, nose and throat irritation, and headaches. Long-term exposure can cause loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals and are suspected of causing cancer in humans.

Q: What are some ways I can minimize potential health problems?
A: First, read the labels of products you are considering buying. Note the product's ingredients and beware of any warnings of its use. Always use household products only for their intended purpose and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use the product in a well-ventilated area. Choose products that are packaged to reduce the chance of spills, leaks and child tampering. Also, keep household products in their original containers so that safety information and directions for use are always with the product.

Q: Are there ways I can reduce my need for these products?
A: Yes, by practicing preventative maintenance. Quickly attend to spills and stains. Remove food wastes promptly. Also, control excess moisture (such as standing water from air conditioner drains or refrigerator drip pans) and fix leaks, drips and seepage problems.
You might consider using "natural" or "alternative" products, but these products also have pollution potential if not used correctly. Products may be labeled "environmentally safe," but any product that evaporates into the air has the potential to be an indoor air pollutant, depending on the quantity used, the method of use, the product's toxicity and the sensitivity of the user.

Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is a national consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of indoor air in homes. Designed for the community educator, the program offers a manual including ten comprehensive training modules on residential indoor air quality issued, marketing and media implementation ideas. A program manager is available in most states who can assist you with the program.