Avoid toxic traps this Labour Weekend

20 October 2015

Avoid toxic traps this Labour Weekend

Labour Weekend and the beginning of the summer weather is often a time for tackling a gardening or renovation project, firing up the barbeque, doing a ‘spring’ clean or filling up the pool or spa.

But all of these activities can involve risks if they’re not undertaken thoughtfully, says the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Hazardous Substances Compliance Manager, Ray McMillan.

He says EPA data shows ‘home’ can be a dangerous place. Almost half of all cases where people needed to be hospitalised because of exposure to hazardous substances happened at people’s homes.

The EPA has a full suite of information on its website (www.epa.govt.nz) to help people understand how to stay safe with hazardous substances at home. The information was developed with input from Plunket, SafeKids, the National Poisons Centre and the Child and Youth Mortality Committee.

Mr McMillan says the website offers simple, straightforward advice about basic safety practices, so people are equipped with information to help them use hazardous substances safely at home.

“For example, unless people read product labels, they are often unaware that ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ products can still cause harm,” says Mr McMillan. “These products may not be obviously hazardous, but the label will have special instructions to warn of risks and tell you how to stay safe.

“In fact, for any substance used around the house or garden, reading the label and doing what it says is a no-brainer – and there’s an awful risk in cutting corners.”

Mr McMillan says as well as protecting themselves, people have a responsibility to protect the environment by using products responsibly. Any products that have expired or are banned should be disposed of safely.

“Chemicals mustn’t just be flushed away, taken to the dump or added to household rubbish bins. People should check the packaging to see if there are instructions for disposal or ask their garden centre or hardware store. Otherwise, they can ask their local council where they can dispose of any chemical waste or old containers.”

Mr McMillan says some safety practices apply to all types of hazardous substance and chemicals:

· Don’t mix substances together.

· Check the expiry date before using.

· Keep products away from eyes and skin, and wear the recommended protective gear.

· Clean up any spills quickly.

· Store substances upright, tightly sealed in their original containers and in a locked cupboard away from any sources of heat or ignition.

STAYING ‘SAFE AS HOUSES’
· Find out what to look for on a label

· Learn how to make your home safer for children

· Get tips for safely storing hazardous substances at home

· Find out how to safely dispose of used containers and old products

Barbequing
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which fuels barbeques and outdoor heaters, burns well and is stored in pressurised transportable bottles or tanks. However, the gas can explode or, if inhaled, make people very ill.

Never use outdoor heaters and barbeques indoors. Keep clear of the flame when adjusting the controls, and avoid breathing in the fumes. Turn the gas bottle off at the valve when not in use. Check gas bottles for wear or damage, and for leaks.

· Find out how to use LPG safely

Spring cleaning
Window cleaner, furniture polish, oven cleaner, bleach and even dishwashing liquid and washing powder can contain harmful chemicals. All cleaning products should be used with care and never mixed together.
· Find out how to stay safe with household cleaners

Home renovation
Paint and paint thinners can be flammable, and can make people sick if they swallow or spill them on their skin, or breathe their fumes. It is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal to breathe in paint thinners (also known as solvents).

Aerosol cans containing spray paints (or household products) can leak or explode if damaged, and their leaked contents can easily catch fire.

Have old paint tested before removing it – special care is needed when removing paint that contains lead.

· Find out how to stay safe with paints and thinners

Gardening
Weed-killers, pest sprays and garden fertilisers can contain hazardous substances and should be handled with care. Get advice about the safest product to use, or consider alternative methods such as weeding by hand. Keep chemicals away from waterways and stormwater drains, and use sprays only on calm days.

Two insecticides containing the chemical dichlorvos – BV2 Surface Insecticide, sold as aerosol and bulk – are no longer approved for import or manufacture, and existing stocks must be disposed of by 15 March 2016. The EPA supports the choice of home users not to use these products again from now on, and recommends they should contact their district council to arrange safe disposal of the insecticide if they have it.

Do what you can to support bee populations by weeding and mulching rather than spraying, and not spraying budding or flowering plants or places where bees are foraging.

· Find out how to stay safe with gardening products

Pool and spa chemicals
The chemicals used to keep spas and pools clean and safe can spark fires, make you sick, burn skin or damage surfaces, and harm the environment.
Wear gloves, goggles and long clothing when handling these chemicals. Always read the instructions on the chemical container labels before using the contents, and follow them carefully. Unless the directions say otherwise, add them directly to the water in the pool or spa rather than mixing them in a smaller container where they could explode. Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, well away from flammable products.

· Find out how to stay safe with spa and pool chemicals

The EPA helps safeguard people and the environment by regulating new organisms and hazardous substances to control the risks and enjoy the benefits. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act), we meet international obligations to protect our natural, social and cultural environment, while also protecting human health and safety.

ENDS

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