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Safer Alternatives to Household Toxins - Bathroom


BATHROOM
Product Types
Potential Health Hazards
Safer Alternatives

EXPLOSIVE when heated. Contents may be flammable, corrosive, toxic or poisonous. Contain: nitrous oxide, propane, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride.

  1. Avoid purchasing aerosol cans (use roll-on, pump-spray or liquid products).
  2. Keep out of heat.
  3. DO NOT BURN or put in trash compactor.
  4. Avoid inhaling vapors and propellants-KEEP AREA WELL VENTILATED.
  5. Keep nozzle clean, spray upside down to clear any excess and when through using the can.
Hair Products (color and perm)

Contains: ammonium, copper, lead, cobalt, cadmium. Irritants to skin, eyes, and lungs. Chronic lung problems may result with frequent ammonium exposure.

  1. Use in a WELL VENTILATED area.
  2. Use ammonia-free styling and dying products.
  3. Rinse containers well before disposing of them in the garbage.
Medications
Medicines are the most common substance involved with childhood poisonings. Even when medications have become less effective, the toxicity does not decrease.
  1. Check medicine contents regularly and dispose of unused or unneeded medications.
  2. Keep stored in child-resistant caps.
  3. Keep in original container and clearly labeled.
  4. DO NOT induce vomiting, may be lethal.
  5. DO NOT dispose of in an indoor garbage bag, place in sealed heavy-duty plastic bag.
Corrosive if swallowed. Extreme irritant to skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Keep area well ventilated while in use as well as for an extended period of time afterwards.
  1. Scrub with a vinegar and salt, or water and vinegar, equally mixed solution in a spray bottle.
  2. Inhibit growth: Use borax and water to remove mildew from plastic shower curtains.
  3. Grout: Non-chlorinated scouring powder.
  4. Prevent Mold: dehumidify in humid regions.
  5. Try drying mold with hair dryer.
  6. Covered walls: leave portable heater on overnight with the door closed- BE CAREFUL.
Thermometers
Contain metallic mercury with poisonous vapors if inhaled; broken thermometers are a long-term danger if not cleaned up properly. Readily combines with other metals on contact.
  1. DO NOT VACUUM UP MERCURY! Will permanently contaminate the vacuum.
  2. Remove metal jewelry when cleaning.
  3. Push droplets together with wooden object (cardboard), paying close attention to cracks or rugs on the floor, collect into sealed glass jar.
  4. Disposal: Dental offices may recycle mercury.
Avoid toilet cleaners that contain paradichlorobenzene as there is evidence that this chemical causes cancer in laboratory animals.
Corrosive and Poisonous
  1. Clean/Deodorize: Mix ½ c borax + 1 gal water; 2. Stains: Lemon juice and borax paste. Apply, let sit for 20 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush.
  2. Baking soda or borax abrasives.
  3. Soak with white vinegar.
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