SOURCES

Adapted from several sources including: Ranger Rick magazine April, 1988 published by the National Wildlife Federation, 1400 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-2266, USA; Waste: a hidden resource published by the Tennessee Valley Authority in cooperation with Western Kentucky University (1987). For more information on Safer Alternatives, see Learning-By-Doing leaflet on Hazardous materials.

SUGGESTIONS FOR USE

Teachers, health workers, radio broadcasters, journalists: Information source for increasing awareness of health hazards of household products; and to encourage the use of safer alternatives.

PRODUCT

HARMFUL EFFECTS

HOW TO DISPOSE OF THEM

THINGS YOU CAN DO

pesticides including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides

1 (see key below)
* can be absorbed through the skin and by breathing
* cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, tension

Pesticides need to be disposed of by experts. So check with local health authority or waste utility. A local toxic waste collection day may be organised - or perhaps, your parents/teacher can help you organise one in cooperation with the local authority or a local pesticide distributor. This is the only way to dispose of pesticides. If no information is available, use product completely, or share leftovers with neighbours. Never dilute leftovers and pour onto the ground or in water courses.

* Above all keep plants healthy: insects will attack sick, weak, injured or poorly-nourished plants
* Handpick offending insects and destroy them.
* Use soapy water to kill aphids, mites etc.
* Make a garlic spray or use citronella to repel many insects.
* Encourage creatures such as birds and toads into the field or garden to help to keep the insect population down.
* Sprinkle wood ash on the ground around plants to trap and kill crawling insects.

Paint

1,3, (see key below)
* can irritate your eyes, skin and lungs
* fumes can cause headaches, nausea, respiratory problems

Check with local health authority or waste utility. A local toxic waste collection day may be organised - or perhaps, your parents/teacher can help you organise one in cooperation with the local authority. If no information is available, use it all up or share leftovers with neighbours. Wrap empty container in lots of newspaper, put it in plastic bag and put it out with trash.

* Use latex paints as this eliminates the need to use paint thinners which contain additional toxic chemicals.

Paint removers and other solvents (substances that dissolve something else, e.g. turpentine, degreasers)

1,3 (see key below)
* short-term: irritate and damage skin, eyes, lungs, cause nausea, poisoning
* long-term: cause allergies, nervous system disorders, damage kidneys and lungs

Check with local health authority or waste utility. A local toxic waste collection day may be organised - or perhaps, your parents/teacher can help you organise one in cooperation with the local authority. If no information is available use it all up or share leftovers with neighbours. Wrap empty container in lots of newspaper, put in plastic bag and put out with trash.

No substitutes for most solvents. Use solvents with great care. Never transfer solvents to unlabelled containers especially food/drink containers.
Instead of paint remover:
* sand off old paint
* never use gasoline as a solvent

Bleach

1 (see key below)

* bleach and its fumes can irritate eyes, skin
* chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia creates a deadly gas

* use baking soda mixed in water to make good cleaning solution.

Used oil and car batteries

Used oil - 1,3;
car battery - 1,4 (see key)
* Some poisons in used oil may be absorbed through skin
* battery acid can burn skin, eyes

Check with local health authority or waste utility to see if there is an organised local toxic waste collection day. If there is not, perhaps, your parents/teacher can help you organise one in cooperation with the local authority.
Oil: Recycle at a car servicing station. Never pour oil onto ground or into water courses
Battery: Return batteries to where purchased.

No alternatives available. Wear gloves and goggles when handling.