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Chemicals are prevalent
in our society and our community. All we have to do
is look around our factories, businesses, offices
and homes. We rely upon chemicals to keep our food
fresh, our bodies clean, and our drinking water
safe. If used properly, chemicals enhance our
quality of life. If used improperly, they can cause
serious injury and even death.
There are three ways that you can be exposed to
chemicals. They are:
-
Breathing the
chemical.
-
Swallowing
contaminated food, water or medication.
-
Touching the
chemical, or coming into contact with clothing
or other items which have been touched by
chemicals.
Chemicals are not always
easily identifiable. At times you may not even see
or smell them until its too late. Other chemicals,
on the other hand, have highly distinguishable
smells and characteristics.
Most chemical accidents,
though small in nature, occur in the home.
Therefore, it is important that you follow
directions and take the proper precautions. For
example, many solvent-based products should only be
used in a well-ventilated area. In addition, avoid
mixing common household chemical products. Some
combinations of these products, such as ammonia and
bleach, can create toxic gasses. Finally, store
chemical products properly.
Many households have
household products that are no longer used. Many of
these products have been barely used and sit on
shelves for years. There are three "R's" to
recycling and they apply here: Reduce, Reuse and
Recycle. Try buying only enough of the product that
you need right away. If you have left over product,
try giving the rest to someone who can use it.
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