Handling Chemicals in Your Home
Chemicals can be found everywhere in modern society. They are a necessary part of our daily life and do not normally pose a threat to our health when properly used, stored, and disposed. Common table salt is a chemical that is essential for life, but if a large amount is ingested, it can cause serious health problems. Bleach is a chemical that is used to disinfect water making it safe to drink, and also whiten our clothes. Plastics are chemicals that are used to store and protect foods and other products. Drugs are made of chemicals that treat diseases and can help protect our health. Gasoline is a chemical used in our cars as a source of energy that allows us to travel around town, our County, our state, and our country.
It is when chemicals are released and we are exposed to them that they can cause a health or environmental hazard. Some chemicals become a hazard when they are mixed with other chemicals.
For information about chemicals in your home and how to use and dispose of them safely, please check out the following links:
Household Hazardous Waste