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Note: This Instructional Module information comes from our Training Manual. The complete Training Manual can be ordered from our Program and comes with a video, transparency masters, module publications, and many other educational resources.Module Learning Objectives
Support Publications
Notes to the Program Leader:This is a suggested teaching plan for a workshop of about an hour on the topic of indoor air quality and household products. Topics to be covered are: identifying hazardous household products, the safe use of household chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvents found in household chemical products, and pesticides. Ideas for interested audiences for this program are: homeowners, homemaker clubs or organizations, daycare providers, housekeeping business people, family and consumer science educators, and pesticide operators.The format provides a series of overhead transparency masters and a script to accompany each visual. The script is in recitation form. This is to encourage you to present information in a conversational style and to avoid reading an exact script during the program presentation. The presentation begins with an introduction and a "Teaser Test" to get participants interested in the topic. The "Teaser Test" is used again (with answers) as the conclusion. A shorter version of this presentation can be given by eliminating
the "Teaser Test" and using only the following overheads: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7,
8, 10, 12, 13, 17, and 19. A shorter version could also be presented dealing
only with the topic of VOCs by using the title overhead (#1) and overheads
8 through 14. The introduction and conclusion/summary would need to be
adapted.
Script for Transparency #1 HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Household products have many beneficial uses around the home, but there are also some questions that arise about them:
Script for Transparency #2 Note to the Program Leader. Use the following "Teaser Test" to generate interest on the topic and focus the thinking of the participants. Ask participants to jot down their answers, so that everyone can review the "Teaser Test" at the end of the program. You may wish to provide participants with a copy of the "Teaser Test" or use from an overhead. Also, you may want to incorporate the "Teaser Test" into your evaluation as a measure of learning. "TEASER TEST"
Script for Transparency #3 INDOOR AIR QUALITY Indoor air quality can be impacted by some chemicals used for personal care and grooming, for hobbies, or to clean, protect, maintain, and decorate the home and its furnishings. Products can release chemicals into the air during use, as the product dries or cures, or as the product ages. Examples of household products that could create an indoor air quality problem include:
Script for Transparency #4 CONTROL INDOOR AIR QUALITY Begin to control home indoor air quality by the choice of chemicals and products used. Use the least amount of a product to get the job done. Read labels, follow safety precautions, and contact the manufacturer if you have questions. Other guidelines include:
Script for Transparency #5 REDUCE NEED FOR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS Reduce the need for potentially hazardous household chemicals by practicing preventative maintenance:
- Prevent standing water, such as from air conditioner drains or refrigerator drip pans - Fix leaks, drips, and seepage problems - Use exhaust fans during high moisture activities Script for Transparency #6 LIMIT USE OF AEROSOLS Limit the use of aerosol products where possible. Aerosol products tend
to release more chemicals into the air because they disperse the product
into very tiny, airborne droplets. As an alternative, some products are
available in a pump spray which makes it easier to direct the product toward
its intended use, and therefore releases fewer chemicals into the air.
Script for Transparency #7 MIXING HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CAUTION No matter what the household chemical, never mix household products or chemicals together, unless specifically instructed. If products are mixed, additional toxic chemicals may be released into
the air through chemical reaction. A common example is ammonia and chlorine
bleach, which are found in many household cleaners. When mixed, they react
to form a toxic gas.
Script for Transparency #8 VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) Some chemicals used in the home contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are organic solvents that easily evaporate into the air. VOCs can be toxic and harmful to the environment. Many products containing VOCs can be dangerous or flammable, especially if used improperly. Water-based products tend to be less hazardous to indoor air than products
that are based on organic solvents.
Script for Transparency #9 VOC LABEL TERMS Examples of product label terms that identify VOCs include:
Script for Transparency #10 PRODUCTS WITH VOCS Examples of household products that usually contain VOCs include:
Script for Transparency #11 HEALTH CONCERNS OF VOCS VOCs may be toxic products under certain conditions! Short-term exposure can cause:
Script for Transparency #12 VOCS - REDUCING EXPOSURE During household activities, reduce exposure to VOCs by:
Script for Transparency #13 VOCS - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING USE When possible, use VOC products outdoors where compounds are more widely dispersed. Provide plenty of ventilation and fresh air if VOC products must be used indoors. If indoor use of VOC products is required, schedule activities for a time when the weather is mild so doors and windows can be opened for ventilation. When using VOC products, take regular breaks for fresh air and be alert for possible reactions to the chemicals. Use protective gloves and glasses when using VOC products. A respirator with an appropriate cartridge is recommended for prolonged use of VOC products, especially when working indoors. Keep VOC product containers tightly closed to minimize evaporation. Keep children and pets away from VOC products. Also, pregnant women
and those who are chronically ill should avoid VOC products.
Script for Transparency #14 VOCS - PRODUCT SAFETY Treat VOC- or solvent-based products with caution:
Script for Transparency #15 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) You can learn more information about a potentially hazardous household
product by requesting a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
The MSDS contains complete information about a product, including all safety
precautions. Request the MSDS by calling the manufacturer (check the product
label for a telephone number). Also, a MSDS might be available by looking
up the manufacturer on the Internet.
Script for Transparency #16 PESTICIDES ARE POISONS Another type of household product, pesticides, are poison; they are used to kill or repel. Examples of pesticides are:
Script for Transparency #17 Note to the Program Leader: You may want to refer back to overheads 13 and 14 to review the guidelines for safe use of potentially hazardous products such as VOCs or pesticides. PESTICIDES: GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE Pesticides can be especially dangerous products and they require strict adherence to safety practices. Use pesticides only as directed by the product manufacturer. Many of the same guidelines we discussed earlier for the safe use of household chemicals, especially VOCs, also apply to pesticides. In addition, though, pesticides require other special precautions:
Script for Transparency #18 CARPET AS A CHEMICAL "SINK" Carpets and other textiles in the home can act as a "sink" for airborne pollutants. Chemicals sprayed or evaporated can collect in carpet, upholstery, and other textiles. Clean and maintain the carpet regularly, especially if there are young children in the home. Protect carpet and textile surfaces when potentially hazardous products
such as VOCs or pesticides are being used.
Script for Transparency #19 ARE "NATURAL" PRODUCTS LESS POLLUTING? Some products for household use are considered as alternatives to "harsh chemicals," and are labeled as "natural" or "environmentally safe." Some of these products are considered generic, such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, and boric acid. Many of these alternative products may seem safer; therefore, people sometimes ignore directions for safe usage. Any product that evaporates into the air has the potential to be an indoor air pollutant. The conditions for harm depend on:
Script for Transparency #20 USING "ALTERNATIVE" PRODUCTS When selecting "natural" or "alternative" products for the home, consider:
Note to the Program Leader: Use the "Teaser Test" (overhead #2) to conclude the program. Ask participants to give answers to each question. Encourage them to identify which facts or concepts were new to them. You may also wish to emphasize other points made during the presentation, but not included on the "Teaser Test." Ask questions about how they will use the information learned at the presentation. Answers to Teaser Test:
Prepared by:
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