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HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS
Check the appendix for nontoxic substitutes for household chemicals!
When purchasing household chemicals:
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Buy nonaerosol sprays and biodegradable products that come in recyclable containers.
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Buy rechargeable batteries. Nickel-cadmium batteries are more expensive than alkaline, but can be recharged up to 100 times which saves money in the long run and keeps toxic metals out of the local landfill or incinerator.
- Buy multi-purpose products. Look for the non-phosphate, biodegradable laundry detergent that cleans and bleaches and the all-purpose household cleaner that can clean a variety of washable surfaces: walls, tiles, floors, counter tops, glass, ceramics and wood.
The label should list the ingredients, instructions for use, storage, and disposal, potential hazards and warnings. Compare a number of products, select the least toxic product, and buy only the amount needed.
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When using household chemicals:
- Use the product only as directed and only when needed.
- Read the label carefully so potential hazards are understood. Take appropriate precautions (opening windows for adequate ventilation, wearing protective gloves or goggles, removing food and dishes, etc.).
- Follow the directions for the amounts needed. More is not better. More will not clean faster and may even create problems. Continuing to dump lye drain cleaner down a clogged drain after the initial application fails to open it can damage pipes or the septic system. A plumber's metal snake may be needed to open the drain.
- Keep sand, kitty litter, sawdust or some other absorbent material on hand to clean up spills.
- Never use chemicals around wells, septic systems, cisterns, or waterbodies.
- Household products should be stored in their original containers with labels intact for easy referral. Never remove a label. Transferring a toxic toxins are chemically incompatible with materials from which containers are made (certain plastics, for example), and will dissolve or melt the container.
- Never mix household products together or use simultaneously. Dangerous chemical reactions can occur. The combination of ammonia and chlorine bleach produces deadly chloramine gas.
When storing or disposing of household chemicals:
- Store products with lids tightly closed. Harmful fumes may escape from an open container; acid may splash the person who reaches for the container.
- Unused or partially used paints and decorating supplies can be donated to local organizations such as theater groups or to a hazardous waste collection exchange program. If leftover paint cannot be used, place the opened can in a well-ventilated safe place (preferably outdoors). After the contents solidify, stuff the can with old newspapers, seal the lid, and set out for curbside trash collection. Paint thinner, turpentine, mineral spirits, and brush cleaners containing solvents can be recycled by storing in a closed container until particles settle out. The liquid solvent should then be filtered into a separate labeled metal container and stored for future use. The container with the sludge should be taken to a hazardous waste collection center.
- Never burn or bury unused chemicals or their containers.
- Never dispose of paints, preservatives, thinners, brush cleaners, or other solvents by pouring them down the drain, on the ground, or into a street or storm drain. Some of these products contain the suspected carcinogen methylene chloride, toluene, and other toxic chemicals. Disposing of these chemicals carelessly could destroy the beneficial bacteria of septic systems and sewage treatment plants. Septic systems and sewage plants are not able to break down hazardous wastes completely, so some toxins are carried into area surface and ground waters.
Store them in a safe well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight and in areas not subject to temperature extremes. Store products out of the reach of children.
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- Do not use wood preservatives containing creosote, pentachlorophenol, or arsenic. Leftover wood preservatives, treated scrap wood, shavings, and sawdust should be delivered to a hazardous waste collection center.
- Consider the use of a nontoxic alternative in place of toxic household cleaners. Simple ingredients such as soap, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), washing soda (sodium carbonate), borax, distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, and ammonia can be safe, effective, and economical. Refer to the Appendices for a complete list of products and the traditional cleansers and natural alternatives that can be substituted for those products.
Cleaning with some of these natural household products may require a little more effort and possibly more frequent cleaning in some instances. Cutting down on the number of hazardous household products we currently use has important benefits. The possibilities of accidental poisoning and long-term exposure with unknown side effects are lessened, the threat of pollution to our environment is reduced, and the amount of empty containers which are pilling up in our landfills is diminished.
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