Understand the risk of everyday hazardous materials

As spring approaches, many will start the age old tradition of cleaning out garages and homes of unspent and accumulated equipment. This rite of passage is better known to most of us as spring cleaning. However, hidden dangers that everyone should be aware of the risks associated with using and disposing of everyday household chemicals.

Household hazardous materials are products most people use frequently. They are household cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, automotive products, soaps and detergents, medical supplies and the energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Each of these products has varying levels of risk. The most common place to store and use these items are in kitchens, bathrooms and garages. Take a brief look around these areas. What you may find is an environment that can be more dangerous than a laboratory. These materials, when used properly, play a significant role in the health, economy and lives of people by providing better medications and food, creating jobs, and making the environment more comfortable.

The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition estimates the average household has 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials in the home at all times. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, more than 4.3 million emergency calls in 2008 were related to poison exposures. Children under the age of 6 accounted for about half of these. Chemicals are a hazardous material, which when released or improperly used, have the potential to injure people or the environment. Most families use these items regularly without incident. However as the number of products increase within the home, the rate of risk also increases. Some common household products may be used safely to sanitize and clean. However, if used in combination these chemicals can become hazardous. Two common products, window cleaner and bleach (or any other chlorinated product) when used individually can remove stains, clean and sanitize the bathroom, and help eliminate odors. However, when ammonia comes into contact with a chlorinated product the mixture can produce toxic gases. Exposure to these gases may cause chest pain, vomiting and trouble breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

The use of mercury in batteries, thermometers and paints has been reduced, but its use in fluorescent bulbs has increased. Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs use less energy and last much longer than regular bulbs. Mercury is a problem for the environment because when it is released it remains in the environment for a long time. Mercury is especially dangerous when aerosolized. For example, if you vacuum or sweep up a broken thermostat or bulb, it may cause tiny particles to become airborne that can then be inhaled. When inhaled, mercury particles, cause damage to the central nervous system. Mercury-containing products such as fluorescent bulbs, thermometers, thermostats and barometers should be taken to a hazardous waste recycling center.
Here are some quick tips:

• Keep products out of reach and sight of children and pets
• Remember child-resistant does not mean childproof
• Post the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 number next the phones.
• Read product labels when buying, using, storing or disposing of chemicals
• Buy the right type and amount of chemical for the job.
• More does not mean better
• Use eye protection, gloves, long sleeve shirts and pants, and respirators to help protect you from injury while using products
• Always keep chemicals in the original containers
• Keep reactive products stored separately.
• Properly dispose of household hazardous waste.

Disposing of hazardous waste

• Sarasota County Jackson Road Transfer Station, on the south side of East Venice Avenue, east of Jacaranda Boulevard, is open Wednesday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. It is closed on government holidays.
• Citizen Convenience Center, 4000 Knight’s Trail Road, open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information regarding the disposal of hazardous materials please contact 861-500

As always, call 911 for any emergency regardless of time or day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
CO gas can come from several sources: gas-fired appliances, charcoal grills, wood-burning furnaces or fireplaces and motor vehicles.
How do CO detectors work?
Carbon monoxide detectors measure levels of CO over time and are designed to sound an alarm before an average, healthy adult would experience symptoms. It is very possible that you may not be experiencing symptoms when you hear the alarm. This does not mean that CO is not present.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Medical experts believe that unborn babies, infants, children, senior citizens and people with heart or lung problems are at even greater risk for CO poisoning.

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