When deciding which products to buy, read the labels on the products. If the product label says the product can be cleaned up with water, the product probably is not toxic or hazardous. A good example of this type of product is latex paint. The paint can label will say you can clean brushes and your hands with soap and water. Latex paint is less hazardous and less toxic.
Products are considered hazardous if they are:
Flammable or Combustible: They can easily ignite.
Explosive or Reactive: They can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, sudden shock or pressure.
Corrosive: They can cause a chemical reaction that can burn or destroy living tissue or other materials.
Toxic: They are capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption.
Labels of hazardous products are required by law to include certain warnings. Hazardous product labels often list the principal hazards such as “flammable,” “causes burns to skin and eyes,” or “vapor harmful.” Key words to look for are called “Signal Words.” Signal words indicate the level of toxicity of the product. Purchase the products with the safest or lowest level of hazard.
No Word: if the labels contain no signal word or special warnings, or if it explains you can use water or soap in clean up, the product is safe to use.
Caution: the product is slightly toxic. This product with this signal word on the label is not as safe as the first product but is safer to use than products with any other signal word on the label.
Warning: the product is moderately toxic. This product is more hazardous than one with “caution” on the label.
Danger: The product is highly toxic, corrosive or extremely flammable.
Poison: The product is highly toxic.
Make sure the product you want to buy poses the lowest level of risk by reading and understanding the label. Purchase the product with the lowest level signal word. If the label does not contain words like "Explosive,” “Reactive,” “Poison,” “Toxic,” or “Hazardous,” the products may be safe to use.
The words “natural” or “organic” do not indicate a safe product. A product labeled “all natural ingredients” can still contain hazardous materials. If you feel uncomfortable with the ingredients or the instructions for use, do not purchase the product.
Accidental ingestion of certain products or breathing fumes can cause injury or death. Keep away from small children and pets. If you can’t keep children or pets away from it, do not buy it. Many labels will specifically say to keep out of the reach of children. Many lawn products warn to keep children and pets off the lawn for a period of time after applying product.
Source: NebLine
