Your home can become a hazardous materials (hazmat) site. Hazardous materials aren't restricted to the highway, local refinery, or manufacturing firms. Motor oil, paint, pool chemicals and other common household products could make your home a potential site for a mini-hazmat incident, particularly during an earthquake. Strong ground shaking could topple and break bottles and cans containing hazardous materials.

Hazardous Household Products

Hazardous products and substances are classified into four categories based on the property or properties they exhibit. Corrosive substances or vapors deteriorate or irreversibly damage body tissues that they come in contact with and erode the surface of other materials. Flammable substances are capable of burning in the air at any temperature. Toxic substances may poison, injure, or be lethal when they are eaten, absorbed through the mouth and stomach, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled into the lungs. Reactive substances can produce toxic vapors or explode when they react with air, water, or other substances.

Corrosive Substances	Flammable Substances	Toxic Substances	Reactive Substances
- Abrasive cleaners, scouring powders* - Ammonia bleach-based cleaners* - Car batteries - Chlorine bleach - Disinfectant & oven cleaners* - Glass & window cleaners* - Photographic & pool chemicals* - Rug & upholstery cleaners** - Toilet bowl cleaners**	- Air fresheners - Coin, floor, furniture, or shoe polish* - Enamel or oil-based paints* - Engine cleaners & degreasers* - Furniture & paint strippers* - Gasoline & diesel fuel* - Hair spray, deodorants - Kerosene* - Motor oil & transmission fluid* - Paints & primers** - Rug & upholstery cleaners* - Rust paints* - Solvent-based glues* - Solvents for cleaning firearms* - Spot removers* - Stains & varnishes** - Wood preservatives	- Antifreeze - Artist & model paint - Batteries - Car wax containing solvents - Chemical fertilizers - Drugs, medicines, pharmaceuticals - Fungicides, herbicides, weed killers, insecticides - Latex, oil, or water-based paints - Mothballs - Nail polish & nail polish remover - Pet products, flea collars, flea sprays - Rat, mouse, snail & slug poisons - Roach & ant killers	- Avoid mixing chemical products or cleaners - Mixing can cause toxic or poisonous reactions

*Chemical also contains toxic properties.

** Chemical also contains flammable and toxic properties

Alternative Cleaning Products

Several non-hazardous materials are available for use in cleaning carpets, dishes, upholstery, windows, and other items, deodorizing sinks, as well as removing rust and stains. They include ammonia, baking soda, cornstarch, lemon juice, soap and water, steel wool and vinegar. For additional information, please visit USEPA Environmental Preferable Purchasing.

Buying Household Products

Read directions and health warnings
Look for the least hazardous product
Purchase child-resistant substances
Use multipurpose cleaners
Buy only what you need

Storing Household Products

Use original containers for storage
Regularly check containers for wear and tear
Use larger, clearly marked containers to store leaking packages
Store materials in a cool, dry place
Separate incompatible products

Using Household Products

Limit the amount of materials stored
Isolate the products in enclosed cabinets and keep containers tightly covered
Eliminate unused or unneeded supplies
Separate incompatible materials
Note and post the number of the local poison control center near the phone
Read and follow directions carefully
Use only the amount indicated
Avoid mixing chemical products or cleaners
Avoid splashing
Wear protective clothing, gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses
Work in well-ventilated areas
Take frequent breaks for fresh air
Keep away from children, expectant mothers and pets

Disposing of Household Products
 
For more information on recycling or disposing of unused supplies or materials, visit Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, or to request an appointment, email TOHHW@contactPSC.com or call (805) 449-SAVE (7283) and be sure to include your name, address, and telephone number when requesting an appointment. Appointments are required.