tain activities, such as paint stripping, ed area, go outdoors or in areas equipped much as you will use right away.
levels may be 1,000 times background with an exhaust fan to use it. Otherwise,
outdoor levels. open up windows to provide the maxi- Keep exposure to emissions from prod-
mum amount of outdoor air possible. ucts containing methylene chloride to a
Steps to Reduce Exposure minimum
Increase ventilation when using Throw away partially full containers of Consumer products that contain
products that emit VOCs. Meet or exceed old or unneeded chemicals safely methylene chloride include paint strip-
any label precautions. Do not store Because gases can leak even from pers, adhesive removers, and aerosol
opened containers of unused paints and closed containers, this single step could spray paints. Methylene chloride is
similar materials within the school. Form- help lower concentrations of organic known to cause cancer in animals. Also,
aldehyde, one of the best known VOCs, chemicals in your home. (Be sure that methylene chloride is converted to car-
is one of the few indoor air pollutants that materials you decide to keep are stored bon monoxide in the body and can cause
can be readily measured. Identify, and if not only in a well-ventilated area but are symptoms associated with exposure to
possible, remove the source. If not pos- also safely out of reach of children.) Do carbon monoxide.
sible to remove, reduce exposure by using not simply toss these unwanted products Carefully read the labels containing
a sealant on all exposed surfaces of pan- in the garbage can. health hazard information and cautions
eling and other furnishings. Use inte- on the proper use of these products. Use
grated pest management techniques to Guilford County Household Hazardous products that contain methylene chloride
reduce the need for pesticides. Waste Removal: outdoors when possible; use indoors only
Ecoflo if the area is well ventilated.
• Use household products according 2750 Patterson Street
to manufacturer's directions. Greensboro Keep exposure to benzene to a mini-
• Make sure you provide plenty of Hours & Info: (336) 855-7925 mum
fresh air when using these products. Benzene is a known human carcino-
• Throw away unused or little-used Forsyth County Household Hazardous gen. The main indoor sources of this
containers safely; buy in quantities Waste Removal: chemical are environmental tobacco
that you will use soon. 3RC EnviroStation smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies,
• Keep out of reach of children and 1401 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and automobile emissions in attached
pets. Winston-Salem
• Never mix household care products Hours & Info: (336) 784-4300.
unless directed on the label.
Follow label instructions carefully Buy limited quantities
Potentially hazardous products often If you use products only occasion-
have warnings aimed at reducing expo- ally or seasonally, such as paints, paint
sure of the user. For example, if a label strippers, and kerosene for space heaters
says to use the product in a well-ventilat- or gasoline for lawn mowers, buy only as
MAY 2009
33
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