Kids Web: King County's web site for kids!
Natural Resources Kids Page
Household Hazardous Waste


Characteristics of Hazardous Substances

Many products around the house contain chemicals that can make people, plants and animals very sick, or even kill them! Hazardous products have one or more of the qualities listed below: Match the hazardous term below to its definition.

Toxic/
Poisonous
A- Can react with air, water or other substances and result in explosions or the generation of toxic fumes. An example is mixing chlorine and ammonia, which produces a toxic gas.
Corrosive B- Liquid chemicals used to dissolve or thin oil-based paints, clean brushes, dilute varnish or clean up after painting. They can cause nervous system damage, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and damage to internal organs if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Reactive C- Sudden or immediate. A single or brief exposure.
Flammable/
Combustible
D- Chemicals in these products can burn, or eat away living tissue (skin) or other materials (like metals). Examples include oven, drain and toilet cleaners, chlorine bleach, and car batteries.
Acute exposure E- Long-term or delayed. A repeated exposure over a long period of time.
Chronic exposure F- Burns easily if exposed to a spark or flame, or may spontaneously ignite (burst into flames) at relatively low temperatures, thereby presenting a significant fire hazard. Examples include paint thinners, rubber cement, hair spray and furniture polish.
Solvents G- Contains chemicals that are capable of causing injury or death if they are ingested through eating, drinking, breathing or being absorbed through the skin. Examples include insecticides, fertilizers and antifreeze.
Find out more about how hazardous products can hurt people and the environment.

 

Updated: August 16 , 2000

Natural Resources Kids Web Home | Kids Web Home | Hazardous Waste Kids


Click below to link to the main King County site.

Natural Resources and Parks | King County | News | Services | Comments | Search

Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.
By visiting this and other King County web pages,
you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site.
The details.