The Dangers of Household Hazardous Materials and How to Protect Your Family

In every household, there could be products you use daily that can harm your health and the environment. They are often overlooked, hidden in closets, garages, or cabinets, and are commonly referred to as household hazardous materials. 

While they are necessary for day-to-day activities such as cleaning, maintenance, and personal hygiene, most household products contain harmful chemicals that can be lethal if not handled and disposed of correctly.

What are Household Hazardous Materials?

Household hazardous materials are substances found in almost everyday products that can cause harm to our health, safety, or the environment in which we dispose of them. Such materials come in various forms, such as liquids, solids, and aerosols, and are also labeled with warning signs like flammable, corrosive, toxic, or irritant. 

Typical household hazardous materials, such as aerosol cans, cleaning supplies, pesticides, car fluids, and batteries, are everyday household items that can pose risks if not handled properly. Although they are crucial in the home, when not handled and disposed of correctly, they can lead to hazardous accidents, long-term health consequences, and environmental degradation.

The Effects of Home Hazardous Materials on Your Family

In Canada, incidents involving household hazardous materials are not uncommon. Take an example from an incident that happened in Ontario, where the whole family experienced severe health impacts due to improper storage and handling of flammable substances such as kerosene kept at home. 

Additionally, items such as nail polish remover, cleaning solutions, and pesticides emit toxic chemicals that, when inhaled or absorbed into the skin, may produce both acute and chronic effects. Excessive exposure to cleaning products with ammonia or bleach has been associated with respiratory issues, skin irritation, and permanent neurological impairment. Toxic substances with a chronic effect, such as those resulting from pesticides, have a more insidious impact, potentially causing hormonal disturbances, developmental problems, and enhanced cancer risk.

In 2020, Health Canada indicated a rise in cases of accidental poisoning from household chemicals, particularly among children. In most instances, children came into contact with cleaning chemicals or other toxic materials that had been left within reach. Proper disposal of things such as batteries and fluorescent lighting bulbs is another common problem. These types of products, when discarded as regular trash, release toxic substances such as mercury and lead into the environment.

Materials to Avoid Storing in Your Home or Use with Care 

The first step toward protecting your home is to identify the most hazardous materials. These are some of the dangerous materials in the house and why you need to take precautions when disposing of or dealing with them:

Aerosol Cans: Hairspray and deodorants may appear harmless, but they have flammable propellants that are prone to ignition when they are subjected to heat or pressure. Such cans can burst if pierced or exposed to heat.

Nail Polish and Nail Polish Remover: Both of these items contain solvents like acetone, which is very combustible and can cause irritation to the respiratory system. Such chemicals can also affect the nervous system with prolonged exposure.

Cleaning Supplies and Furniture Polishes: Most cleaning products include harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine bleach, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can trigger respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other illnesses.

Pesticides: Pesticides and herbicides, such as insecticides and weed killers, are poisonous to human beings and animals alike. The body can absorb them through inhalation, skin contact, or consumption, leading to various health problems, including headaches, nausea, and long-term nervous system damage.

Automotive Products: Fluids like antifreeze and motor oil have chemicals that pose a risk to human beings and the environment. They can contaminate water bodies and soil and threaten wildlife and human life if disposed of improperly.

Miscellaneous Household Items: Batteries, mercury thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs can appear harmless as ordinary household items, but they harbor toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and phosphor. In the event of breakage or improper disposal, these chemicals can spill into the environment, causing severe health consequences.

Flammable Items: Kerosene, heating oil for homes, propane cylinders, and lighter fluid are highly flammable and will lead to hazardous fires if not used carefully. A small spark is enough to set these items on fire, resulting in severe damage to your property and house.

Workshop or Painting Supplies: Turpentine and paint thinners are often needed for home repair jobs, but they emit toxic fumes that induce dizziness, headaches, and nausea. They can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys with prolonged exposure.

Lawn and Garden Products: Herbicides and insecticides can help keep your garden healthy, but they usually have toxic chemicals that can harm the soil, water, and wildlife. They can also contribute to resistance, making future pest control more difficult.

Home Inspection Of Hazardous Materials to Protect Your Family 

The best measure to protect you and your family is to run regular inspections by professionals. These home inspection services identify risks that we normally think won't cause any danger. An inspection can reveal hidden threats in your home that can result in big, unfavorable, and deadly incidents due to harmful materials in your home. 

By having your home inspected regularly to identify hazardous materials and taking steps to dispose of and store them safely, you can keep your family safe from the risks associated with household hazardous materials. The idea is to be proactive in limiting exposure and making your home a safe and healthy environment to live in.

Element Pro Restoration For Hazardous Material Management

At Element Pro Restoration, we think it’s wise to dispose of hazardous materials with a chronic effect that can affect your family’s and pets’ health. We take care of everything from identifying and managing harmful substances like mold and asbestos to ensuring proper disposal in line with local safety rules and standards. You can visit our asbestos basement services to free your home from dangerous materials. 

Call now for hazardous waste disposal and get peace of mind.