University of Minnesota Extension

WW-06680     Reviewed 2009  

Safe Home, Clean Earth

What is a Household Hazardous Product?

Flaming Can Poison
Flammable Toxic
Drain Cleaner Reactive!
Corrosive Reactive

Exposure Pathways

Swallowing Absorbing
Swallowing Absorbing
through skin
or eyes
Contact Inhaling
Contact from
eating, drinking,
or smoking		 Inhaling
Environmental Problems

Signal Words:

Most hazardous Poison: highly toxic
Arrow Danger: extremely flammable, corrosive, or toxic
Warning: moderate hazard
Caution: mild/moderate hazard
Least hazardous No Signal Word: the product is not hazardous

Hazard Words:

Flammable products
may include the words:
  • flammable
  • inflammable
  • ignitable
  • combustible
  • contains petroleum
  • distillates
  • do not use near fire or flame
  • do not store near heat
  • keep in cool, dry place
Toxic products
may include the words:
  • poison
  • harmful or fatal if swallowed
  • vapor harmful
  • harmful if absorbed by skin
  • avoid skin contact
The skull and cross bones symbol is sometimes used to indicate poisons as well.
Corrosive products
may include the words:
  • causes burns to skin
  • caustic
  • contains lye
  • contains acid
  • may cause burns on contact
  • wear rubber gloves

Table of Contents | Introduction and Credits | Background Information | Presentation Outlines
What is a Household Hazardous Product? | Does your house hold hazardous products? | Product Labels
Home Inventory | News Releases and Articles | Radio PSA's | Education Resource List

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