TIPS ON TOXICS

How to handle Household Hazardous Materials in your home
For More Information call:
NH Poison Control Center 800-562-8236
NH Dept. Of Environmental Services 603 271-2900
Strafford Regional Planning 603 742-2523
For a list of alternatives to hazardous products, call Strafford County/UNH Coop. extension: 749-4445

Disposal

• Read and follow all product label directions. It is the responsibility of consumers to use, store and dispose of household hazardous waste properly.
• Use it up so there is nothing to dispose.
• Donate leftover paint and other products to a local organization. Make sure the product is securely packaged, in good condition and well labeled.
• Take crankcase oil to local recycling centers or garages that accept oil. Make sure you keep contaminants out! Antifreeze, water, dirt, leaves, gasoline are all major problems in working with waste oil.
• Never pour harmful chemicals down the drain or on the ground. These chemicals are poisonous and will eventually reach all of our drinking water supply.
• Take your household toxics to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days. Individuals can take left over chemicals to a central location and the chemicals are disposed of at a licensed treatment and disposal facility.

• Use up the product that you buy. If you can't, give it to someone who can. If you give away a product, make sure that the label and container are intact.
• Use products in a well ventilated area. Avoid breathing the fumes. Take breaks and work outside, if possible.
• Wear protective clothing. Gloves, Glasses, Mask, Extra clothing everytime!
• Never mix different products. Combining certain chemicals can produce deadly gasses and/or explode.
• Use only the recommended amount. Twice as much is not twice as effective, and may be twice as toxic.
• If pregnant, avoid any and all toxic exposure whenever possible.

• Prior to purchasing chemical products, please be mindful of the following to support a
  cleaner environment.
• Use non toxic alternatives. Many times a general household cleaner is just as effective as a specialized product.
• Buy only what you need.
• Buy products with childproof packaging.
• Chemicals are then quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Aerosol cans can explode if stored near heat or incinerated.
• Read the Label. Look for the words "non-toxic" and compare products. Learn how to use the product safely. Learn that if products are misused chemicals may be:
  
  Toxic – Can cause illness or injury
  Corrosive – Can burn or destroy your skin
  Flammable / Combustible – Can easily be ignited
  Irritant – Can cause rashes or irritate your skin
• Look for signal words to understand the level of health hazard.
  
  Poison – highly toxic, can be fatal if ingested or absorbed.
  Danger – Severely hazardous or toxic, can cause permanent health problems
  Caution or Warning – Mildly to moderate hazard or toxic, can cause temporary health problems.
  No Signal Words – Relatively non-hazardous

• Store in a safe place. Keep all toxics away from children and pets.
• Keep labels intact with instructions legible.
• Close container securely. Certain products like solvents, gasoline, paint, thinners can evaporate and pollute the air in your cellar, garage or shed.
• Don't remove labels while there is still product in the container.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Keep in a cool, dry place.
• Check containers for deterioration.
• Avoid products that contain:
  
  Benzene
  Toluene
  Naphthalene Trichloroethane
  Trichloroethylene
  Tetrachloroethylene Methylene Chloride
  Carbon Tetrachloride