Using Less Toxic Cleaners
Why should I be concerned?
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The average home contains 25 gallons of hazardous
chemicals — a major portion of these can be found in
household cleaners.
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Indoor air is often 3 to 5 times more contaminated
than outdoor air.
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In 1999, 92% of all poisonings occurred in the
home.
Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are
hazardous to your health and to the environment.
These hazardous chemicals can cause skin irritation, watery
eyes, burns, poisoning, or even cancer. They can also harm
local lakes, rivers, and drinking water supplies.
Avoid exposing you and your family to these hazardous
household cleaners by taking the following steps:
Read the label first!
Don't buy products that contain any of the following words
on their labels: DANGER! WARNING! POISON! TOXIC!
These "signal" words indicate the product's risk to humans
and pets. More information is available from the manufacturer.
Most manufacturers provide a phone number on the product label
and are willing to answer questions by phone.
Choose a safer alternative.
"Industrial strength" cleaners are overkill for most jobs.
Less toxic products or soap and water are suitable for many
common jobs around the house. If you do use hazardous
products, use and dispose of them properly. Buy only what you
need to avoid surplus that becomes a storage and waste problem
later. Many less hazardous products are
available at your local grocery store. If they are not,
then you should request them.
Use and Store Properly
Follow these practices to safely use hazardous
household products:
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Keep all cleaning products out of the reach
of children and pets.
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Store products in their original containers.
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Keep containers tightly sealed to avoid
spills.
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If a spill occurs, open windows and doors
for fresh air and clean up the spill right away.
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Use products in well-ventilated areas and
away from sources of ignition.
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Wear gloves, safety glasses, and aprons to
avoid getting the cleaners on your skin or in your eyes.
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Don't dump any hazardous products in the
trash or down the drain.
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Follow directions for use on label.
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Do not mix products.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Where: Boulder County runs a FREE household hazardous
waste collection facility, located at 5880 Butte Mill Road,
Boulder.
For hours of operation and additional
information:
Resource Conservation Division
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