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DID YOU KNOW? Many common household products contain hazardous ingredients that can harm people and the environment. When these products are no longer needed or wanted, they become household hazardous wastes.
WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: Ecology sponsors and funds household hazardous waste collection events.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Use safer alternatives. Dispose of products properly; follow the manufacturer's directions. For information on disposing of household hazardous waste, visit 1800Recycle.wa.gov or phone the Hazardous Substance Information line, 1-800-633-7585.
More information about purchasing environmentally friendly products
Get information about mercury in compact fluorescent lights
Remember...It All Adds Up.
DID YOU KNOW?: House dust may contain many toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic, pesticides, cleaning agents, hobby chemicals, and PBDE (flame retardants).
WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: Ecology and the Department of Health have a chemical action plan to phase out the use of PBDE flame retardants.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Dust each week with a damp cloth. Replace vacuum filters often, doing so outdoors whenever possible. Take off shoes indoors.
Get information about second-hand smoke
Remember...It All Adds Up.
DID YOU KNOW? Lead is poisonous to humans and animals. It was banned as an additive in house paint in 1978 and in gasoline in 1996. However, it is still used in a wide variety of products that find their way into the home, and may still exist in paint in homes built prior to 1978. Lead is often found in brightly colored wood and vinyl toys, imported jewelry and plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures are considered ‘lead free’ if they contain no more than 8 percent lead.
WHAT ECOLOGY IS DOING: The Departments of Ecology and of Health are making a special priority of developing a Chemical Action Plan (CAP) for lead. An important task in the CAP is educating consumers about dangers from lead found in many items in the home.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Use a home test kit – available at home, paint and hardware stores -- to find out if there is lead in paint on your home, in toys or inexpensive jewelry, especially if these items are put in the mouth. If you have new plumbing fixtures, run the water for at least 30 seconds before use. Never use hot tap water for mixing baby formula, or for making tea or other hot beverages. Use cold water and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
More information about sources of lead in the home
More information about toys that contain lead
More information about jewelry that contains mercury
Remember...It All Adds Up
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
