Many familiar products contain hazardous substances.  Becoming more aware of the hazardous substances we encounter everyday and the types of hazardous waste they produce is the first step in learning how to properly handle and dispose of them, thereby protecting ourselves and our environment.

Hazardous substances are materials that present a threat or potential risk of injury to people or the environment when they are produced, transported, used or disposed of.  To be hazardous, a substance must have one or more of the following characteristics:

A.  Corrosive: capable of chemically wearing substances away (corroding) or destroying them.
B. Toxic: poisonous to people and other organisms.  Toxic substances can cause illness – ranging from severe headaches to cancer – and even death if swallowed, and many can be absorbed through the skin.
C. Ignitable: capable of bursting into flames.  Ignitable substances pose a fire hazard and irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.  They may also give off harmful vapors.

QUESTIONS
1. Make a list of the  hazardous products in your home, and sort them into corrosive, toxic, and ignitable.  Simply read the labels on each product.
2. Do you think you or your family contribute to the hazardous waste problem?  If so, how?
3. What businesses in your community do you think might use hazardous materials?