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How Much Do You Know About Hazardous Materials in Your Home?

Bleach, ant killer, and gasoline are poisons commonly found in the home. But plenty of other toxic or hazardous chemicals fill our shelves and cupboards, and some of them may surprise you. Hairspray, for instance, is highly flammable. Learn more about these chemicals by taking this quiz.

1. Which of these are household poisons?

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Most people know that toilet bowl cleaners contain toxic chemicals. But alcoholic drinks and cigarettes have them, too. Cigarettes contain nicotine and a host of chemicals that are carcinogenic. Of course, it takes a lot more alcohol or cigarettes to reach toxic quantities than it does toilet bowl cleaner. But even small amounts of these can be toxic to babies. Other hazardous chemicals in the home include furniture polish, window cleaners, and air fresheners; laundry products and automatic dishwashing detergents; hairspray and fingernail polish; paint; varnish; batteries; inks; pesticides; and aerosols. Medicines and vitamins are also hazardous if not used as directed. If children are in the home, medicines and vitamins should be stored in childproof containers. Keep pain medicines made with opioids in childproof containers in a secure, locked place.

A. Toilet bowl cleanerB. Alcoholic drinksC. CigarettesD. All of the above

2. The best way to handle a household cleaner is to:

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The label will tell you the correct way to use the cleaner and what safety steps, if any, to take. Those safety steps may include wearing rubber gloves or keeping a window open.

A. Read the labelB. Use rubber glovesC. Keep a window openD. None of the above

3. Hazardous cleaners are those that:

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Some products, such as bleach and ammonia, also produce toxic fumes if combined with other cleaning products.

A. Irritate the skinB. Are harmful if swallowedC. Cause dizziness if used in an unventilated areaD. All of the above

4. Which label wording is the safest when looking to buy a household product?

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This means the product does not contain hazardous chemicals. Signal words include danger, warning, and caution. Try to not buy products with Danger or Poison on the label. These are the most toxic. Other possible signal words include Irritant and Caustic. If you have purchased a product and can't tell from the ingredients or labeling if it is poisonous, call the manufacturer's phone number on the label. When you call the manufacturer, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product. This will list all hazardous ingredients, and may provide some health and safety information.

A. CautionB. WarningC. DangerD. No signal words at all

5. If you only need a hazardous chemical like a lawn pesticide every now and then, how much of it should you buy?

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Use all of it up before buying more. For frequently used hazardous chemicals like household cleansers, go for the best bargain. But store them safely.

A. The size that's the best buy for the moneyB. Only as much as you think you will needC. Twice as much as you need, so you'll have extra for laterD. None of the above

6. Which of these is the best way to store hazardous chemicals in the home?

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Make sure the container also has its label, to identify what's inside. Never store hazardous chemicals in a food or drink container. If the original container is leaking, use a replacement container. But make sure it is clearly labeled. Even with labels, all hazardous chemicals should be stored away from children.

A. In the original container in a safe placeB. In a replacement container with an airtight lid or capC. In a used, but clean jarD. None of the above

7. What's an indication that you should stop using a chemical?

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See your healthcare provider right away if you think you have been poisoned or injured by exposure to a household chemical. To find the poison control center nearest you, visit America's Poison Centers or call 800-222-1222.

A. You feel dizzyB. You feel nauseatedC. You develop a headacheD. Any of the above

8. What's the best way to dispose of hazardous chemicals used at home?

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Many hazardous chemicals should onlybe disposed of through a hazardous waste processing site. Municipalities often hold hazardous waste collection days. These allow residents to safely dispose of their household hazardous waste.

A. Put them in a leak-proof container in the trashB. Carefully pour them down the drainC. Read the labels to see how to dispose of eachD. Bury them in the yard

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Hurd, Robert, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Karlin, Ronald, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN

Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023

© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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