CLEANING PRODUCTS
POISON HAZARDS
POISON PREVENTION TIPS
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• ALWAYS use cleaning products as directed on the label.
• ALWAYS make sure that tops on cleaning products are screwed on tight.
• ALWAYS clean up leaks and spills that can frequently occur.
• ALWAYS put cleaning products away when not in use.
• ALWAYS store cleaning products in their original container.
• ALWAYS store cleaning products in a locked area that children and pets cannot reach.
• ALWAYS wash your hands well after using cleaning products or if some is accidentally
splashed or sprayed on your skin.
• NEVER let children and pets play in areas where cleaning products are in use.
• NEVER use cleaning products in an enclosed area that is not well ventilated.
• NEVER leave cleaning products open when not in use.
• NEVER put cleaning products in empty food containers.
• NEVER store cleaning products where small children could reach
the containers.
• NEVER mix cleaning products as this often causes the release of
dangerous gases.
If someone has been exposed to cleaning products
through ingestion, inhalation, or splashed on skin or in eyes,
don’t wait for symptoms to occur.
Call the Poison Center
1-800-222-1222
Cleaning products are soaps and other chemicals used to keep our environment
free of dirt, scum and bacteria that could cause diseases.
While soap products may only be irritating to the stomach or eyes, other cleaning products
may be much stronger and can cause significant problems if ingested, inhaled, or splashed on
the skin or in the eyes.
Cleaning products come in a variety of forms - liquids, sprays,
aerosols and powders.
Some cleaning products can be strong while others are
relatively mild. Solutions are measured on a pH scale ranging
from 0 - 14.
• pH 7 = neutral
• pH below 7 = acids
• pH above 7 = alkaline
The further away from 7, the more acidic or alkaline the
substance is considered to be and the stronger the solution.
Strong acids and alkaline products can cause irritation and
burns.
Use cleaning products only as directed and NEVER mix cleaning
products.
Mixing products can sometimes release a poisonous gas that can
cause significant breathing problems.
• Mixing bleach products with products containing ammonia can
cause chloramine gas.
• Mixing bleach products with products containing an acid can
cause chlorine gas.
When using strong cleaning
products, wear gloves to
prevent skin irritation and
dermatitis from occurring like
the picture on the far right or
burns like the image in the
middle.
The Alabama Poison Center I 2503 Phoenix Drive I Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 I FAX 205-345-7189
