Safe Use of Chemicals in the Home

Household chemicals, which can be anything from window cleaner spray to ammonia and bleach, are helpful, useful materials to have. But you have to be sure that you use them safely; otherwise you risk harming yourself and other members of your household.

Exposure

• Consider who is going to be exposed to the chemicals you're using. Whether it's the fumes from a bathtub cleaner or the suds from carpet cleanser, think about who will come into contact with it. Keep pets and children away from chemicals, and make sure that you only use the chemicals as long as you need to before finishing the task and putting them away again.

Safety Labels

• All chemicals come with safety labels and instructions. Always read these labels, even if it's just to glance over it to make sure that the instructions you remember are actually the instructions that are on the bottle. This is particularly important for mixing chemicals, since some can form deadly combinations. For example, bleach and ammonia produce chlorine gas, which can result in injury or death.

Alternatives

• There are often safer, or more natural, alternatives to using chemical agents. For instance lemon juice is good for breaking up grease, and baking soda can be used to remove stains. Coffee beans can be set out in bowls to suck unpleasant aromas out of the air, reducing the need for air freshener.

Safety Equipment

• Always wear whatever safety equipment is appropriate for the type of chemicals that you're using. Rubber gloves protect your skin from caustic substances such as strong bleach or ammonia, and safety glasses keep chemicals such as aerosol sprays from getting into your eyes. In some instances a respirator may be necessary to keep you from breathing in fumes. Always wear older clothes that can be sacrificed if they get damaged from chemical exposure.