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Paint, Auto Fluids, Chemicals
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Alternatives
Alternatives to Hazardous
Chemicals
Did you know that products you use for cleaning,
carpentry, auto repair and gardening contain ingredients that can
harm you, your family and your environment? Download
EPA brochure here. The EPA encourages you to be smart when you
use, store, and dispose of household products. Visit
the EPA website for more information.
Below is a list of commonly used HHW products and the dangers
they pose to you, your family (including pets) and the
environment.
All Purpose
Cleaners: Contain ammonia and chlorine which can
irritate lungs and, when combined, the two create a deadly
chloramine gas.
Disinfectants:
Contain substances which can damage internal organs and central
nervous system.
Drain Cleaners:
The lye, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids in these products can burn
human tissue.
House and Garden
Pesticides: Many pesticides have been linked to
cancer and birth defects. Rain washes these chemicals off of lawns
and gardens and if used excessively they may end up eventually in
ground and surface water, contaminating drinking water and killing
aquatic life.
Oven Cleaners: The
primary ingredient is lye, a powerful caustic that can burn tissue.
The fumes are very dangerous to breathe.
To reduce the risk of harming your health, try the alternatives
below. Remember, when purchasing products always read the label.
The fewer warnings there are, the smarter the choice.
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FOR
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TRY
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All-purpose cleaner
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1 teaspoon each of liquid soap, borax, lemon juice and vinegar
plus 1 quart of warm water
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Disinfectants
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1/4 cup borax mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar in hot water, OR
use a citrus based product
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Drain Cleaners
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Maintain clean drains by using a drain basket and periodically
pouring a mixture of 1/2 cup salt and 1/8 cup cream of tartar down
drain, rinsing with hot water. To clear clogs, use 1/4 cup baking
soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover drain and sink overflow
vent until fizzing ceases and then flush with hot water.
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Glass cleaner
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1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water
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Oven cleaner
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Apply a baking soda paste and let stand for 1 hour to overnight.
Use a pumice stone or steel wool to scrub black spots. With
self-cleaning ovens, avoid the use of cleaners entirely by running
the cleaning cycle which uses high heat to burn away spills.
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Scouring powder
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Salt and baking soda, or Bon Ami
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Toilet bowl cleanser
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Baking soda and vinegar
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Carpet deodorizer
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Baking soda
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Furniture polish
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Vegetable or mineral oil
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Silver polish
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Nonabrasive toothpaste
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Mothballs
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Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary or mint leaves
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Pesticides
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Liquid soap and water on plant leaves. Introduce
beneficial insects to your garden to control pests, use non-toxic
traps, organic fertilizers and pesticides and utilize companion
planting.
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Air Fresheners
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Houseplants freshen the air in your home or office by absorbing
pollutants and purifying the air, reducing the need for chemical
air fresheners.
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Flea and tick powder
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Brewer's yeast and garlic in pet food. Contact your
vet about how much to give your pet and how often.
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