12/6/2023 0 Comments Spring cleaning safety![]() Ī majority of the cleaning products we use in our homes contain harmful chemicals that can trigger health problems or introduce poisons to curious children. Every day, over 300 children in the United States ages 0 to 19 are treated in an emergency department as a result of being poisoned, reports the CDC. Yuk on Twitter and Facebook.Winter is on the way out, and for many parents that means it’s time for spring cleaning.īut before you break out the bleach, pay attention to product labels. Call 1-80 from a phone with your local area code to contact the correct center.įor more poison-related information, follow Mr. Your local poison center is available at all times to answer any additional questions and to address any poisoning concerns. Ventilate the area well even pleasant odors may become overwhelming or irritating when concentrated. Then, wash the area with water and a small amount of a mild, fragrance-free soap. In the case of an accidental spill, wipe excess product up with paper towels or clean rags (wear gloves if your skin is sensitive or if the product is very acidic or alkaline). If you use one product and the result isn’t as desired, wash the surfaces thoroughly with water and a small amount of a mild, fragrance-free soap before using additional products. If you have questions about which products would be best for a particular cleaning job, ask a staff member at a home improvement store (many of the larger chains have an online chat function on their website so you can get your answer before you go in). Mixing bleach-containing solutions with other products can result in the formation of irritating gases that cause headaches, coughing, sore throat, and eye irritation. Mixing acids and bases can cause foaming, and, in extreme cases, explosions. If you have any respiratory conditions ( asthma, chronic bronchitis, or even allergies) or if you are cleaning in areas where children are or will be present, use fragrance-free products to avoid irritating your throat and lungs. Use fans to help cycle odors out and fresh air in throughout the cleaning process. Open windows and sliding doors in the house and/or garage or shed doors if you’re working in those areas. Make sure the ventilation is adequate in the space you are cleaning.Yuk stickers on all cleaning products and remind your kids that he means, Stop! Don’t touch! It’s best to keep harmful cleaning products behind a padlock or in a basement behind a locked door. ![]() Do not allow children to play with product containers, even if they do have safety caps, and make certain to store all cleaning products out of reach of children. Many children do manage to open them, whether purposefully, while playing with them, or if the containers are thrown hard enough. Keep in mind that safety caps are a deterrent, not a completely preventive solution. When selecting products for homes with children, select containers with safety caps whenever possible.If children, pets, or elderly family members with dementia or memory issues reside in your home or visit frequently, it is safer to use products labeled as “non-toxic” rather than “natural.” These non-toxic products should not contain any potentially problematic ingredients (though you should always check the label to verify ingredients). Others, however, such as the common disinfectant tea tree oil, can actually be very dangerous when more than “just a taste” is ingested, especially for small children. Many cleaning products are derived from plants, and the majority are relatively safe – provided exposure is small and short in duration. “Natural” is not the same thing as “non-toxic”.Here are some tips for safe spring cleaning to keep in mind: Unfortunately, in our excitement to finish chores so we can go outside and enjoy the warmth and sun, and in our determination to do the job thoroughly, we sometimes forget to clean safely. At last, we can open the windows and doors, air out the rugs, and scrub away the dust and dirt of the cold, long winter.
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