Health Tip: Harmful Chemicals in Your Home

Safety guidelines for household products

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(HealthDay News) -- Common household products for cleaning, cooking and doing other chores can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these safety tips for household products:

• Check all products for warnings before use, and always follow instructions on the label.
• When you are finished using a product, throw it away. Toss any old products that you don't need any more.
• Make sure all potentially dangerous products are stored where children cannot reach them, and in an area with good ventilation.
• Be especially careful with dangerous products such as paint strippers, or any other products that contain methylene chloride.
• Be careful with chemicals around animals.
• Pay attention to clothes that have been drycleaned. If you notice a strong chemical smell, take it back and ask that it be cleaned or dried again.

-- Diana Kohnle