collage of cleaning products

October 2006 EPA530-F-06-013

Be smart about using household products!

Be smart when you use, store, and dispose of household products.

scrub bucket and soapy sponge

Did you know that the products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair and gardening can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family and your environment?

These products may harm your children and pets, cause physical injury to sanitation workers if put out for regular trash pick-up, and contaminate septic tanks or pollute the ground water if poured down drains and toilets.

Here’s what you can do to safeguard your family, your home and your community…

Always…

READ the Label Before you buy, always check the product labels. Look for labeling that reads “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” “TOXIC,” “CORROSIVE,” “FLAMMABLE,” or “POISON.” These warnings tell you if the product is harmful to you, your family and the environment, and how to use, store and dispose of it safely.