Household home care/cleaning

The toxicology of household products is fascinating because it deals with products that we are all familiar with and because so many different kinds of products are involved. A typical home may contain cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, paints, medications, pesticides, fuels, and various solvents. Thermometers and thermostats may contain mercury, a well-known toxicant. Older homes were often painted with a lead-based paint, which if consumed causes serious developmental effects. Building materials may contain toxic solvents that are released into the home. The toxicity and ingredients of household products vary widely, but highly toxic products are found in most homes (Table 18.1). 

Everything we put down the drain or flush (down the commode) ends up in our watersheds which can affect the health of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, plants, the atmosphere, and the water quality in our area. Residential and commercial use of chemicals constitutes a very large, nonpoint source of environmental contamination. A typical source of environmental contaminants are products used for household use such as cleaning agents, surfactants, pesticides, fertilizers, lawn and garden treatments, paints, sealants, and even discarded or flushed medicines. It is imperative that those seeking a healthy lifestyle and reduction in pollutant exposure choose with care the products they use to clean and maintain their homes, yards, and pets. 

A. Childproof the home, day-care setting, and households the child commonly visits (eg, grandparents and other relatives). Store medicines, chemicals, and cleaning products out of the reach of children or in locked cabinets. Do not store chemicals in food containers, and do not store chemicals in the same cabinets as food. Common places children find medications include visitors purses or backpacks and bedside tables. 

Sodium hydroxide, NaOH (also known as lye), is nsed in household products to remove grease from ovens and to clean drains. Because high concentrations of hydroxide ions cause severe damage to the skin and eyes, directions must be followed carefully when such products are used in the home and in the chemistry laboratory. If you spiU an acid or a base on your skin or get some in your eyes, be sure to flood the area inunediately with water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention. 

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