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 Begin by reading the label to find out if a product is hazardous. If the label contains any of the following warnings, the product is hazardous:
- Harmful if swallowed
- Flammable
- Corrosive
- Irritant warning, danger or caution
The law requires only the listing of short-term effects, not long-term or environmental effects. Long-term effects include cancer, changes in genetic structure, birth defects, nerve damage and breakdown of the immune system. Less than 30% of the 17,000 chemicals used in household products have been tested for long-term or environmental effects.
Reading the label can also help you identify safer alternatives. Look for specific statements like:
- non-toxic
- non-petroleum based free of ammonia, phosphates, dye or perfume
- readily biodegradable
Check out the "Guide to disposal and alternatives products" on the right 
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| Most commonly-used products have safer alternatives. All products, hazardous or safe, should be used, stored and disposed of with the proper caution.
Here's a guide to disposing of hazardous-waste products, and their safer alternatives.
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