Transcript REDUCING TOXINS IN THE HOME

Household Hazardous Waste
and Non-Toxic Cleaners
November 30th, 2011
Tara Roffler, Ramsey County and
Rebecca Kulas, Dakota County
Hazardous Waste in the Home
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Americans generate 1.6 million tons of
harmful household chemicals per year
The average home accumulates 100 pounds
of hazardous waste over time
Overview
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Identifying hazardous products
Proper storage
Proper disposal
Alternative cleaners
Resources to share
hazardous waste: waste with
characteristics that make it harmful to human
health and the environment
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CORROSIVE
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IGNITABLE
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REACTIVE
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TOXIC
Household Hazardous Waste
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Aerosols
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Fluorescent Lamps
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Appliances
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Mercury Products
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Batteries
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Oil & Oil Filters
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Corrosives
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Paints
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Electronics
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Pesticides & Poisons
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Flammable Liquids
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Tires
Exposure Pathways for Chemicals
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Inhaling
Swallowing
Absorption through
skin/eyes
Contact from eating,
drinking or smoking
Why Are Labels Important?
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Gives product description
Lists warnings
Gives directions for proper use
Signal Words for Toxicity
Less Toxic
Caution
Mild hazard
Warning
moderate hazard
Danger:
More Toxic Poison
extremely flammable,
corrosive or highly toxic
10 Safety Precautions
1.
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5.
Do not use when children are present
Keep your house well ventilated
Wear protective clothing
Purchase only what you need
Don’t use hot water
10 Safety Precautions (continued)
6.
7.
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10.
Never mix cleaners
Rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly
Avoid waxes and polishes, as well as
toilet bowl and oven cleaners
Don’t use aerosol cleaners
Take extra precaution in the kitchen
Where to Store Hazardous Products
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Keep in original container
Store in closet or garage, not kitchen
Store flammables away from heat sources
Keep out of reach of young children
What to Do with Leftover Chemicals
1.
2.
Use it up or share with a neighbor
Bring it to a county Household Hazardous
Waste collection site
Using Safer Cleaners in the Home
Identifying risks
and choosing
alternatives
Chemical
Health Effect
Product
Alkyl phenoxy ethanols
Hormone disruptors – can
cause cancer and birth
defects
Laundry detergents
All-purpose cleaners
Amyl acetate
Neurotoxin
Furniture polish
Dioxane
Immunosuppressant
Carcinogen
Window cleaners
Laundry and dish soap
Phosphoric acid
Corrosive skin toxicant
Tub and tile cleaners
Toilet cleaners
Habits for Safer Purchases
Read the labels
 Choose the least harmful
product
 Choose low or no VOC
(Volatile Organic
Compound) options
 Buy only what you need
 Check the product for
Health and Safety Data
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Look for Safer Cleaners
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Biodegradable
Non-toxic
Most Plant-based
ingredients (note: some
plant based ingredients
can be harmful)
Product Certifications
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Third Party Certification Programs
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Green Seal
Eco Logo
Greenguard
US EPA Design for the Environment
Current Products in the Marketplace
Natural Ingredient
Purpose
Baking Soda
Deodorizer, non-abrasive scouring
powder
Borax
Deodorizer, disinfectant, non-abrasive
scouring powder, all-purpose cleaner,
mold inhibitor, rust stain remover
Citrus fruit (orange, lemon, lime)
Grease cutter, deodorizer, flea repellent
Eucalyptus oil
Insect repellent
Hydrogen Peroxide
Bleaching agent and antibacterial
Natural Ingredient
Purpose
Olive oil
Wood polisher
Toothpaste
Silver cleaner
Vegetable-based liquid soap
General detergent product substitute
Washing Soda
Grease cutter, stain remover,
disinfectant, wax remover, deodorizer,
removes hard water marks
White Distilled Vinegar
Grease cutter, cleaning wood and
glass, removing tarnish
Habits for a Cleaner Home
Leave dirt outside
 Think of safer alternatives
 Follow product directions
 Clean up spills as soon as
possible
 Clean frequently
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Resources
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www.rethinkrecycling.com
www.pca.state.mn.us/waste/hhw/index.html
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm
County staff and web sites
A Guide to Healthy Household Products
Ramsey County A to Z Disposal Guide:
www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph
www.turi.org