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In the News - May 2009
Think "green" when it comes to spring cleaning
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Summer is coming quickly, but there's still time to get
spring cleaning done, says Trish Ouei, extension stormwater educator with the
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"With a little bit of planning, you can even take extra pride in your
cleaning and be considered 'green'," she says.
Although the mothers and grandmothers of the world may say otherwise, vinegar
and baking soda can't clean up every mess - that's where job-specific cleaning
products come in. Many promise to be less hazardous or environmentally safe. Is
it true?
Finding out means a little shopping and some close reading, says Ouei.
Read the labels on a product. Hazardous products must have a front label with
a warning and description of the hazard, she says. The label should also include
safe handling and first aid instructions, and the common or chemical name of the
product.
Labels will also make the consumer aware of the T.R.I.C., a list of terms
indicating whether a product is toxic, reactive, ignitable, or corrosive, says
Ouei. Hazardous products will exhibit one or more of these properties. T.R.I.C.
includes:
- Toxic products are capable of causing injury or death when
swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. (Examples: insecticide,
antifreeze)
- Reactive products are unstable and readily undergo violent
change. They can react with air, water or other substances to explode or
produce heat or toxic gases. (Example: chlorine bleach)
- Ignitable products burn rapidly or catch fire easily. They often
have a flash point of less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. (Examples: solvents,
nail polish remover)
- Corrosive products can burn skin on contact and are capable of
dissolving or breaking down other substances, such as metals. They have a pH
below 2 or above 12.5. (Examples: some cleaners, lye, car batteries)
"By avoiding products that might have one of these words on the label, you
can help the environment," Ouei says.
If a hazardous product must be used, it is important to make sure they are
used safely, stored properly and disposed of correctly.
For more information on proper disposal of hazardous chemicals or alternative
cleaners, contact your county extension office or visit
www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension
Service is a part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
May 22, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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