How to Safely Choose and Use Household Products
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Household products and furnishings.
These include volatile organic compounds from paints, solvents, air fresheners,
hobby supplies, dry cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and fabric
additives used in carpeting and furniture. |
| Check out the Household
Products or Home
IAQ Overview Instructional Modules from our Training Manual for more
information, or read some Q&A below. |
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 (VOCs), 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:
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First, read the labels of products you are considering buying. Note the
product's ingredients and beware of any warnings of its use.
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Always use household products only for their intended purpose and according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Use the product in a well-ventilated area.
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Choose products that are packaged to reduce the chance of spills, leaks
and child tampering.
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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:
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Quickly attend to spills and stains.
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Remove food wastes promptly.
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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.
Q: Where can I get more information about safe
remodeling practices?
A: Contact your local Extension Office
or your state department of health. Take action now.
 “www.healthyindoorair.org” is a partnership program of the Montana
State University Extension Service - Housing Program, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, the Healthy Homes Partnership - Alabama Cooperative Extension System @ Auburn University, U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, , and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency - Indoor Environments Division.
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