Common Household Materials Can Be Environmentally Toxic

April 18, 1991|By LYNN SHEMATEK Guest Writer

Despite the harmless appearance of various items used in households today, many contain a number of hazardous materials that could cause some real problems if used improperly. The modern kitchen, for instance, contains more chemicals than a chemistry lab did 100 years ago. Fortunately, many of the chemicals we use in the home do not present a problem as long as we use and dispose of them in a responsible manner.

Hazardous waste is any product or resulting leftover containing ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic ingredients. Examples of household products that can be hazardous to the environment when abused include: commercial oven cleaners, drain cleaners, disinfectants, fingernail polish remover, shoe polish, paint, thinners, varnishes, bug spray and herbicides. Other products, although not hazardous in nature, can still cause a lot of environmental damage. Some of these items include: motor oil, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluid and some laundry detergents.

Improper use or disposal of such materials can pollute ground water or other natural resources. One quart of motor oil dumped into a ditch or onto the ground can contaminate 250,000 gallons of ground water. Mixing incompatible chemicals can release toxic gas or cause an explosion. Such a violent reaction can be caused by simply mixing ammonia and chlorine bleach, two very popular household cleaners. Destruction of vegetation leading to habitat loss and erosion can also result from misuse or improper disposal.

If products are used correctly, such problems are less likely to result; thus we can be responsible if we are informed about those products we use. Reading the labels can help us make informed decisions on storage, use and disposal of such products.

To further decrease risk, look for alternatives to products with hazardous chemicals. Many products on the market that are environmentally sound will say so on the label because it is good publicity for manufacturers to advertise such information.

In addition, there are homemade alternatives that are easy to make, cheaper to produce, and much safer to utilize. Cedar chips instead of moth balls keep sweaters moth-free, they smell nicer and are not toxic. Also, boric acid is one of the best roach killers around. It costs a lot less than roach sprays, does not produce terrible fumes and is safe for pets and small children.

Worcesterchire sauce makes a great brass polish. Finally, a general all purpose cleaner can be produced by combining the following: 1 gallon hot water; 2/3 cup baking soda; 1/4 cup ammonia; 1/4 cup vinegar (a stronger solution can be made by doubling all ingredients except the hot water).

By Lynn Shematek, recycling/beautification coordinator for York County.


Hampton Roads Recycling. 1 Newsome Place, Hampton. Aluminum cans, white ledger paper and computer paper. Information: 723-6068.

Old Dominion Metals Inc. 1618 W. Pembroke Ave., Hampton. Information: 723-0757.

Public Auto Parts and Scrap Inc. 2050 W. Pembroke Ave., Hampton. Aluminum (no cans), copper, brass, steel. Information: 245-0097.

Sandefur's Carpet. 1093 N. King St., Hampton. Recycling machine in parking lot for aluminum cans. Information: 722-7866.

Waste Management of Hampton Roads. 1749 W. Pembroke Ave., Hampton. Newspaper, glass (all colors), aluminum cans, plastic milk jugs and soda bottles (PET bottles), all #1 and #2 plastic containers.

Reynolds Aluminum Recycling Trailers. All accept aluminum cans, other clean aluminum, aluminum foil, copper, and brass. Information: 1-800-228-2525.

Mercury Mall. East Queen Street and Mercury Boulevard, Hampton. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Legion Hall Parking Lot. 227 E. Mercury Blvd. and Pembroke Avenue, Hampton. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12:30-1 p.m.) Tuesday-Saturday.

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