Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500587
06/24/03
How to Read A Chemical Product Label
These hazardous products -- cleaning agents,
detergents, Polishes, stripping compounds, Pesticides and
many others -- are required by law to meet specific label
requirements. These requirements provide you with the
information you need to protect yourself, others, pets
and the environment. For maximum protection, this label
should be consulted before buying, using, storing or
disposing of any hazardous products.
What Is A Hazardous Household Product?
A "hazardous substance" is defined in federal
government regulations as one which may cause personal
injury or illness during any customary or reasonable
foreseeable handling or use. Any household product
containing a "hazardous substance" is what you should
regard as a hazardous household product.
How Can I Tell If The Products I Buy or Use Are
Hazardous?
READ THE LABEL!!!! Everything that is on the label of
a hazardous product is there for a reason. Products
containing "hazardous substances" are required by federal
laws to bear a label of specific size and containing
certain information depending on the toxicity of the
product or hazard presented by the product. The following
two sets of guidelines will help you to understand
product labels so that you can avoid any hazards
associated with Products in either of the two categories
of hazardous household products.
How to Read a Household Chemical Product Label
The hazards posed by household chemical products
other than Pesticides include hazards other than toxicity
alone. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act establishes
that a hazardous substance is one which is toxic,
corrosive, irritant, flammable or radioactive. All of
these properties of the household chemical product
determine how the product is labeled.
The labels of household products containing hazardous
substances must bear at least the following information:
Signal Word - The signal word "DANGER" on substances
which are extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic.
On those substances which are highly toxic, the
additional word "POISON" must be included. The signal
word "WARNING" or "CAUTION" on all other hazardous
substances.
Common and/or Chemical Name
A list of the common names of the hazardous
ingredients; if a hazardous substance has no common name,
the chemical name will be listed. Both names may appear
on the label, as in this case. "Sodium Hypochlorite" is
the chemical name. "Bleach" is the common name.
Name and Address of Manufacturer,Distributor, Packer or
Seller
Description of Hazard
A description of the principal hazards involved in
using the product must be included on the label. In this
case, the product is an IRRITANT" to the skin, eyes and
to the gastrointestinal system, if swallowed. Other words
that may be used to describe the principal hazard in
using other products may include "Vapor Harmful",
"Flammable", "Corrosive", "Absorbed Through the Skin" and
such.
Precautions
The label must have a statement of what to do to
avoid the hazard.
Instructions for Safe Handling and Storage
First Aid Instructions, when necessary or appropriate
The Statement, "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN."
(Vis. 1)
This information comes from Michigan State University
Extension Bulletin E-1780, How to Read a Chemical Product
Label.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .