April 2005
Deciphering product labels
The federal government requires that household products list the ingredients that pose known hazards. However, it allows pesticide makers to list some risky ingredients as “inert.” Since most chemical names are unfamiliar, federal regulations require hazardous household products to bear labels that spell out the possible risks. There's no mistaking what a skull and crossbones means on a label. But you might not have realized what these other common terms really indicate.
Danger: Products are corrosive, extremely flammable, highly toxic, or poisonous.
Caution or Warning: Catchall terms for all other hazards, so scan for specifics, such as “Vapor harmful” or “Causes burns” or “May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed.”
Irritants: Substances that cause injury or inflammation on contact.
Corrosives: Chemicals that destroy tissue.
Sensitizers: Ingredients that cause allergic reactions and chronic adverse health effects that become evident only after continuing exposures.
Chronic Health Hazards: Effects ranging from sterility and birth defects to cancer.
Before using a potentially hazardous product, read whether you should wear protective clothing, goggles, or respirators, or use fans to remove vapors. Note first-aid instructions in case of an accident. Finally, check storage and disposal precautions.
Always keep products in the original container and out of reach of children. If you use up the product, you generally need only throw the container in the trash, but any leftover ingredients, such as antifreeze or pesticides, are considered to be household hazardous waste. Check with your local environmental, health, or solid-waste agency for more information on disposal and to learn about local drop-off programs and upcoming collection days.
The federal government requires that household products list the ingredients that pose known hazards. However, it allows pesticide makers to list some risky ingredients as “inert.” Since most chemical names are unfamiliar, federal regulations require hazardous household products to bear labels that spell out the possible risks. There's no mistaking what a skull and crossbones means on a label. But you might not have realized what these other common terms really indicate.
Danger: Products are corrosive, extremely flammable, highly toxic, or poisonous.
Caution or Warning: Catchall terms for all other hazards, so scan for specifics, such as “Vapor harmful” or “Causes burns” or “May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed.”
Irritants: Substances that cause injury or inflammation on contact.
Corrosives: Chemicals that destroy tissue.
Sensitizers: Ingredients that cause allergic reactions and chronic adverse health effects that become evident only after continuing exposures.
Chronic Health Hazards: Effects ranging from sterility and birth defects to cancer.
Before using a potentially hazardous product, read whether you should wear protective clothing, goggles, or respirators, or use fans to remove vapors. Note first-aid instructions in case of an accident. Finally, check storage and disposal precautions.
Always keep products in the original container and out of reach of children. If you use up the product, you generally need only throw the container in the trash, but any leftover ingredients, such as antifreeze or pesticides, are considered to be household hazardous waste. Check with your local environmental, health, or solid-waste agency for more information on disposal and to learn about local drop-off programs and upcoming collection days.
