10.1.2012

Safe handling of chemicals

Besides medicines, many other chemicals used at households might cause poisoning. The following substances are especially dangerous:

• corrosive chemicals, such as ammonia, drainage agents, decalcification agents, oven detergents and some dishwasher agents
• petrochemical products, such as several car chemicals and lighter fluids.

Careless use of highly flammable substances and liquefied petroleum gas causes fires every year.

Act with caution:

• Always choose the least dangerous product. Ask for different alternatives.
• Read the instructions and the danger symbols on the container before using a chemical. Use gloves, eye protection or other protective equpments if necessary.
• Follow the dosage instructions.
• Do not mix the products unless it is particularly recommended in the instructions.
• Keep the chemicals in the original container. If you have to pour a chemical into a new container, remember to transfer also the name and the safety information from the label to the new container. It is best to keep the chemical in the original container also when it has become waste. Write the word "waste" on the container. Chemicals must never be poured into food casings, for a example a bottle of soda.
• Keep the chemicals in a safe place and always separately from food products.
• Keep dangerous chemicals out of children's reach and don't use the chemicals near children. Even if the container has a child resistant cap, there are no guarantees that a child would not be able to open it.
• Close the containers tightly.
• Do not store unused products or waste for a long time, take them rather to the hazardous waste reception point .