What Makes a Household Product Hazardous?


Contains chemicals that are capable of causing injury or death if they are ingested through eating, drinking or breathing or being absorbed through the skin. Examples include insecticides, fertilizers and antifreeze.

Chemicals in these products can burn, or eat away living tissue (skin) or other materials like metals). Examples include oven, drain and toilet cleaners, chlorine bleach and car batteries.


Can react with air, water or other substances and result in explosions or the generation of toxic fumes. An example is mixing chlorine and ammonia.

Burns easily if exposed to a spark or flame, or may burst into flames at relatively low temperatures, thereby presenting a significant fire hazard. Examples include paint thinners, rubber cement, hair spray and furniture polish.

Sudden or immediate. A single or brief exposure.

Long term or delayed. A repeated exposure over a long period of time.

Liquid chemicals used to dissolve or thin oil-based paints, clean brushes, dilute varnish or clean up after painting. They can cause nervous system damage, irritation of eyes, nose and throat, and damage to internal organs if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.