Hazardous substances can enter your body in three ways ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through the skin. Once a hazardous substance has entered the body it is circulated to every organ of the body within seconds through the blood.
Toxins can be ingested by eating or drinking hazardous substances or contaminated food and water. Ingestion is a major cause of poisoning in children 6 and under. Keep the hazardous products out of the reach of children and in a locked area.
Toxins that are inhaled from gases, vapors, and sprays pass directly through the lungs and enter the blood. If you can smell a toxic chemical, your ventilation is not sufficient (although some harmful chemicals have no odor). Use a mask or respirator to protect yourself.
The skin is like a sponge and can absorbed toxins instantly. Hazardous products containing irritants or corrosives will injure the skin and then are absorbed. Some hazardous chemical can be absorbed without causing any damage to the skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing.
When you go shopping for products your selection can be your first step toward minimizing danger.
· Buy the least hazardous product for the job.
· Check the label to see if a product has several uses. Then you can avoid buying a different product for each job.
· Avoid aerosol products. Aerosol products may contain hazardous or toxic propellants, and the fine mist that they produce may be more easily inhaled.
· Remember, the word "non-toxic" is for advertising only. It does not mean the product meets any federal regulations for non-toxicity.
In Summary
An astounding array of hazardous products can be found in and around the average home. They are in common, everyday household products as well as in pesticides. In order to protect your family's health it is important to eliminate the use of these chemicals.
