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WHAT MAKES A PRODUCT HAZARDOUS

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What Makes a Product Hazardous

The most straightforward way to determine if a product is hazardous is to read the label.

Look for the words "Poison," "Danger", "Warning" or "Caution" on the label.

"Poison" and "Danger" indicate the highest hazard levels. "Poison" means that a product is highly toxic and can cause injury or death if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

"Danger" means that a product is either highly toxic, flammable or corrosive. Products containing the word "Danger" could be poisonous, cause serious damage to skin or eyes, or easily cause a fire. Look for the word "Danger" on cleaners, polishes, paint strippers and pesticides.

Products that don't have any of these words on the label are the least hazardous. A hazardous product has at least one of the characteristics listed below.

Toxic

Toxic products are poisonous or cause long-term illness (such as cancer). Pesticides, paint thinners, many automotive products and some cleaners are toxic. Look for phrases on the product label like:
"Harmful or fatal if swallowed."
"Use only in a well-ventilated area." (This means that fumes from the product are toxic.)

Flammable

Flammable products burn easily. Paint, automotive products, thinners and other solvents are the most flammable household products. Look for words or phrases on the product label like:
"Do not use near heat or flame."
"Combustible."
"Do not smoke while using this product."

Corrosive

Corrosive products can eat through materials. Acid is one example. Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and automotive batteries are common corrosive products. Look for phrases on the product label like:
"Causes severe burns on contact."
"Can burn eyes, skin or throat."

Reactive

Reactive materials can spontaneously ignite or create poisonous vapors when mixed with other products. For that reason, household products should never be mixed. Some reactive materials can explode when exposed to heat, air, water or shock. Fortunately, there are few explosive consumer products still on the market (except for fireworks). Some older explosive products might still be stored in homes.

See Hazardous Products and Healthy Alternatives for details about specific household hazardous products, including information on ingredients, alternatives and disposal.

See also How to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste and Alternatives to Household Hazardous Products.

Cleaning products

When using cleaning products, take the following steps:

  • Avoid products with the words "Danger" or "Poison" on the label.
  • Be sure the label lists the ingredients in the product.
  • Follow the product instructions and use the product only as intended.
  • Choose products that have no scent or a mild scent.

Take the quiz! King County has an online quiz called Characteristics of Hazardous Substances that lets users test their knowledge of hazardous substances.