Household Chemical Hazards

Household chemical products are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five years. Bad taste and odours often do not keep children away from household chemical products. Even a small amount of a chemical product can be harmful to a child and the person using it.

Use, store, and dispose of household chemicals carefully. Learn and teach your nanny the meaning of the hazard symbols and follow all directions on the label.

Safety tips

Read the label before you buy or use a household chemical product.

• Follow the instructions every time you use a household chemical. 

• Do not cover up or remove the labels from household chemical products.

Use household chemical products carefully, especially around children.

• Never mix household chemical products together. Some mixtures can produce harmful gases.

• Child-resistant does not mean child-proof. Close the cap on the container all the way even if you set it down for just a moment.

• Put emergency phone numbers at your telephone and/or program the number into your phone and your nanny's phone.

Store household chemical products safely.

• Store all household chemical products in their original containers. Keep all safety information.

• Keep all household chemical products locked away, where children cannot see or reach them.

Dispose of leftover household chemical products safely and NEVER:

• burn household chemical containers

• pour the contents down the drain unless directed

• inappropriately re-use empty containers