Hazardous Materials Management for Your Household

Introduction

Hazardous materials are chemicals or substances which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Usually they are transported or used in complete safety. Occasionally, however, there are accidents. Many of these chemicals are found in small amounts in every home. People have come to trust these materials, and may not realize that they are potential killers (The Disaster Handbook 1998 – National Edition-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida).

“Many of these chemicals are found in small amounts in every home.”

Household Substances that Pose Risks

All of these substances could be dangerous, although some (such as baking soda) would have to be mixed with others (ammonia, for example) to cause a health risk.

1. Household ammonia
2. Chlorine (swimming pool)
3. Baking soda
4. Lighter fluid
5. Weed killer
6. Gasoline
7. Motor Oil
8. Paint
9. Fertilizer
10. Drain opener
11. Bug spray
12. Nail polish remover
13. Cleaning rags
14. LP gas (stove and grill)
15. Muriatic acid (swimming pool)

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The following materials have immediate risks:

1. Ammonia—in closed spaces, fumes can be a problem; very reactive with some other substances
2. Pool chlorine—fumes, corrosive
3. Lighter fluid—highly flammable
4. Weed killer—toxic by ingestion or absorption through skin
5. Gasoline—flammable, explosive; ignitable fumes travel
6. Motor oil—combustible
7. Cleaning rags—may contain combustible or flammable liquids
8. LP gas—highly flammable to explosive
9. Drain openers—highly toxic, caustic, corrosive
10. Bug spray—toxic by inhalation or absorption
11. Nail polish remover—flammable
12. Paint—flammable
13. Fertilizer—toxic, possibly flammable
14. Muriatic acid—corrosive, inhalation hazard

 

“Should a potentially threatening release occur, safety agencies will inform the public through the media.”

Read all directions carefully and follow them. Store substances safely, away from children. Pay attention to first aid directions. Don’t mix chemicals. Keep the number of your local poison control center handy.

Hazardous Material Spills/Releases

Significant releases of hazardous materials are rare, but can happen. Storage and manufacturing facilities, utility plants, commercial businesses and farms may all use materials that are very dangerous if released.

Should a potentially threatening release occur, safety agencies will inform the public through the media. Follow instructions carefully.

There may be little time to react. Some materials are so deadly that a single exposure to a few drops or a single breath of fumes is fatal. Don’t take chances. If instructed to evacuate, do so quickly and follow instructions of public safety officials. If directed to stay inside, close all windows and doors and turn off air conditioners; if necessary, seal around doors and windows with towels or blankets. Do not go outside or open doors or windows until told it is safe to do so.

Many died and suffered before a creative mind found an ingenious solution to maybe a century old problem. Believe it or not, our ancestors skills are all covered in American blood. This is why these must be fought for, protected,and handed on for them to do the same for our children’s children.”