Copyright © 2001 Bryan V Goulstone
All Rights Reserved
First Published 2001
Published by Bryan V Goulstone,
2 Bibiana Street, Aidanfield,
Christchurch, 8003, New Zealand.
(Email beaverslodge@xtra.co.nz).
No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the author
Manufactured in New Zealand
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
WHAT ARE CHEMICALS?
WHEN ARE CHEMICALS A HAZARD?
HOW DO YOU MEASURE TOXICITY?
WHERE ARE WE?
WHAT ARE E NUMBERS?
HYPERACTIVITY, ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
PREVENTION IS OUR BEST WEAPON
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS FOR SAFETY
THE HEALTHIER CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE
IN THE HOUSE
IN THE GARDEN
FIRST AID FOR POISON
ALPHABETICAL LIST -- A B
C D E F
G H I J
K L M N
O P Q R
S T U V
W X Y Z
USEFUL ADDRESSES
ALLERGY AND HYPERACTIVITY SOCIETIES (NEW ZEALAND)
ASTHMA SOCIETIES (NEW ZEALAND)
NEW ZEALAND TOXINS ACTION GROUPS
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATIONS
M. E. SUPPORT GROUPS
INDEPENDENT GROUPS
GBS (CIDP) SUPPORT GROUPS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Every day we come into contact
with and use a large number of chemical products, often unknowingly. The majority of these
chemicals are relatively harmless. However, some are dangerous and our complacency in
their use and storage is cause for concern. Since prehistoric times
humans have been aware of naturally toxic substances. Information was passed
from generation to generation. Even today most people know from an early age what things
to avoid in the plant and animal kingdom.
It is only in the last forty years or so that we have started to produce synthetic
chemicals in large quantities. The majority of these chemicals are non-toxic and do no
harm to us or the environment. Other chemicals are extremely toxic, but have been well
tested. Their effects are known and their use is strictly regulated. There is an
ever increasing number of synthetic chemicals, some which have been in use for a long
time, that lack adequate testing. Their safety remains an unknown quantity. It is this
group of chemicals which cause most concern.
The rapid increase in the number of chemical companies since the 1950s has resulted in a
growth in the number of products available to householders — from adhesives to pet
products — from cleansers to pesticides. Many of these products are a boon to the
householder.
However, some are of doubtful value and some are even a frivolous use of dangerous
chemicals. You will be unaware of the dangers of some products, as many compounds go
unlisted on labels.
Current legislation (in New Zealand)is no assurance of safety. Some of the chemicals used
as additives (even in food products) are known to be hazardous. A great number of dyes,
flavourings and other ingredients have never been adequately tested.
Many chemicals remain in our surroundings, the air we breathe, the soil and water of our
environment, even in ourselves, long after we have finished with them. This chemical
burden is a consequence of our progress and our need for convenience.
The most sinister part of the whole chemical product area is the fact that we expose
ourselves to these products in our own homes every day. Go into any home, look in
the garage, garden shed, kitchen, laundry or bathroom and you will find an assortment of
potentially dangerous chemical products, many of which are stored in an unsafe condition.
We store them like this because of our familiarity with the product. We often forget the
possible dangers and are unaware of the impact they could have on our health —or our
children's — and on the environment.
This book presents information about chemicals which are widely available and in use in
most households. It is merely a source of information and does not make value judgments
about products. Nor is it intended as a comprehensive guide. The book aims to make you
more aware of the potential hazards of chemical products and allow you a choice of the
most appropriate and least hazardous product for you in any particular application.
All matter is made up of
chemicals. However, the term 'chemical' does not mean the substance is necessarily
hazardous, no matter how complicated the name may be.
Unless you have studied chemistry you will not be able to tell if a substance is safe or
not simply from its name. Sodium-L-ascorbate, for example, is more commonly known as
Vitamin C. You also cannot assume that a chemical product is hazardous because it has been
synthetically produced. Nor is a natural product necessarily a safe one. Such
generalizations are unhelpful when dealing with potentially hazardous products. To be able
to make a sensible assessment you need to be well informed.
We are all aware of the ways in which
chemicals can harm us. The difficulty arises in quantifying the level of risk in each
chemical. The term toxicity is used to determine the level of risk to health.
The term acute toxicity is used if a chemical produces an immediate reaction as soon as
contact is made with it. For example, ammonia solution produces immediate nausea when
inhaled. The effects that appear shortly after exposure, such as rashes or headaches, are
also acute, though less dramatic.
The term chronic toxicity is used if the reaction is not immediate. The body has to reach
a threshold level of build-up of the chemical before any reaction, which may come days,
weeks or years later. Thus, you can develop 'hypersensitivity to particular products.
These effects are subtle and often very hard to link with a particular product or chemical
exposure.
The term delayed effect is used if the reaction occurs after a long period, even if the
original or subsequent exposure does not reach a threshold level. For example, lung cancer
may occur many years after inhalation of asbestos dust.
The degree of exposure also needs to be considered when assessing how hazardous chemicals
are. It tells you how likely you are to come into contact with a chemical and if you do,
in what probable amounts. For example, if enormous quantities of a chemical are needed
before they harm you, it may be considered to be toxic but not hazardous.
A test called the LD50 has been devised to
determine a comparative level of toxicity of substances. It quantifies by grams of product
to kilograms of bodyweight the amount of substance administered to a test sample of
animals within a specified time that causes half of the specimens to die. The LD50 is the
amount of a substance, on a scale of 0.01 mg/kg (extremely toxic) to 1000 mg/kg (slightly
toxic), administered to a test sample of animals.
The test substance is administered to the animals in different ways — orally, by
under-the-skin injection or directly into the stomach. The test is a measure of acute
toxicity and not a measure of chronic or delayed effect toxicity, which require more
extended and expensive test procedures. The great failing of this test is that the results
cannot be directly compared to humans, as animals do not necessarily react to substances
in the same way we do.
Very little testing is done in other areas of determining the safety of a substance. For
example, allergy studies are seldom undertaken and almost no work has been done on
determining whether substances produce hyperactivity or can cause cancer. Little research
is done on synergism, that is on how substances react with each other.
Perhaps all this is too depressing for
you? You may well have assumed- that we are adequately protected by legislation from
health hazards in our household products. The World Health Organization (WHO) measures
toxicity on a scale I - III.
WHO
Ia … Extremely hazardous
Ib … Highly hazardous
II … Moderately hazardous
III … Slightly hazardous
In reality we are sadly lacking in regulations in all areas of chemical use. These are a
few areas where the laws are often inadequate:
Health evaluation requirements:
Registration
Labeling
Community education
Advertising standards
Products permitted in some countries are often banned in other countries. Where
regulations exist they are not enforced. Some products may contain a prohibited substance.
Overseas (outside New Zealand), if a product is banned or restricted, it is to the whole
market of that product, not just parts of it.
We in New Zealand are a very long way from the standards of consumer protection that the
United Nations advocate and have developed. We need improved legislation and enforcement.
WHAT ARE E NUMBERS?
All ingredients and additives are
controlled by food law. Labels on packaged food are required to list all the ingredients
in descending order according to quantity. All additives now have to be named or numbered
according to an International Standard. A system was developed by the European Economic
Community (EEC) to harmonize laws so that foods could be moved from country to country
more easily. This list of numbers is now accepted as E numbers. A list of the
E numbered additive products most commonly used should be available free from your
Government Health Department.
HYPERACTIVITY, ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
Hyperactive children, who also frequently
suffer from eczema or asthma, or may require little sleep, can bring intolerable stress to
their families. As they grow and become more active they may also develop learning
difficulties, speech impediments or respiratory problems, which in turn add to the
existing family stress.
The Hyperactive Children's Support Group (HACGS), a registered charity (in New Zealand),
was formed in 1977 to help parents to cope with this problem. (See page 34 for addresses)
HACGS recommend a diet based on the work of Dr. Ben Finegold. It involves eliminating all
food and drink containing synthetic colours, flavours, glutamates, nitrates, nitrites,
BHA, BHT, benzoic acid, and natural salicylates (which include most fruits, some nuts and
some vegetables) for six to eight weeks, to purge the body of any product likely to cause
hyperactivity. After this period the products are reintroduced one at a time to determine
what causes the hyperactivity. They can then be eliminated permanently from the child's
diet.
For a further explanation of additives, see Food additives in the glossary.
The following E numbers are recommended to be avoided by hyperactive children:
102 Tartrazine
104 Quinoline yellow
107 Yellow 2G
110 Sunset yellow FCF
120 Cochineal
122 Carmoisine
123 Amaranth
124 Ponceau 4R
127 Erythrosine
128 Red 2G
132 Indigo carmine
133 Brilliant blue FCF
150 Caramel
151 Black PN
154 Brown FK
155 Brown HT
210 Benzoic acid
211 Sodium benzoate
220 Sulphur dioxide
250 Sodium nitrite
251 Sodium nitrate
320 Butylated hydroxyanisole
321 Butylated hydroxytoluene
The following additives (as well as those
listed above) are dangerous to asthmatics or aspirin-sensitive people:
212 Potassium benzoate
213 Calcium benzoate
214 Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
215 Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt
216 Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
217 Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt
218 Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
219 Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt
222 Sodium bisulphite
223 Sodium metabisulphite
224 Potassium metabisulphite
310 Propyl gallate
311 Octyl gallate
312 Dodecyl gallate
621 Sodium hydrogen L-glutamate
622 Potassium hydrogen L-glutamate
623 Calcium dihydrogen di-L-glutamate
627 Guanosine 5-(disodium phosphate)
631 Inosine 5-(disodium phosphate)
635 Sodium 5-ribonucleotide
We all blame industry for contaminating and
polluting our planet. But we all contribute daily to the gradual deterioration of our
environment.
There are many potentially hazardous, toxic substances in every home. If you have
children, they are likely to find any harmful products that are carelessly stored.
Accidents can be prevented by following commonsense rules:
Keep all household cleaners, bleaches,
disinfectants, detergents, soap powders, fabric softeners and polishes in high cupboards,
preferably under childproof lock
Keep all pesticides, paints, garden sprays, solvents and animal remedies in high cupboards
in your shed or garage, preferably under childproof lock
Keep all medicines in a locked cabinet. Never leave them on the bench. Give all your old
medicines and pills to your chemist/pharmacist to dispose
Never transfer any harmful substance into a soft-drink bottle or into any container that
may be mistaken for a drinks bottle
These rules apply to all homes, not just your own. Ask all your friends and relatives to
check their own place — TODAY.
THE HEALTHIER, CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES
Almost all household cleaning needs can be
met with these six simple ingredients:
Ammonia
Baking soda
Borax
Soap
Vinegar
Washing soda.
These still need to be used and stored with care.
All-purpose
cleaners
Mild mixture
4 litres hot water
1/8 cup soap solution
1/4 cup vinegar
1/8 cup ammonia
1 tablespoon baking soda
This solution is safe for all surfaces, but rinse with clean water after use
Strong mixture
Reduce water content of mild mixture by half. Always use rubber gloves when using cleaning
mixtures
(Never mix chlorine bleach with anything containing ammonia solution as it produces a very
toxic gas)
Dishwashing solution
Dissolve soap flakes in hot water. Add a small amount of vinegar to remove tough
grease
Oven cleaner
Add extra baking soda to the strong mixture of all-purpose cleaner. Put on rubber gloves
before scrubbing oven
For very dirty ovens, put 1/4 cup ammonium solution in a flat tray (not aluminium) and add
water until the tray base is covered. Place on central oven rack and heat oven for 20
minutes. Turn off and leave oven closed overnight. Clean using baking soda and scrubbing
brush
Clothes washing solution
Add 1/3 cup of washing soda (Sodium carbonate) and 1 1/2 cups soap flakes to your machine
during fill cycle. For hard water areas add 1/4 cup of either baking soda or vinegar
If your machine has a film of detergent, rinse the bowl with 1/4 cup washing soda before
introducing the soap flakes
For badly soiled clothes, rub the stained areas with mixture of 2 tablespoons of washing
soda in 1 cup of warm water
For nappies, add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to a bucket of warm water, stir until
dissolved. Presoak in this mixture before washing
Bathroom cleaner
Use the mild mixture with a firm bristled brush or make up a clothes washing solution as
for nappies and use a firm brush. Rinse washed areas with clean water after use
Toilet cleaner
Use a strong vinegar solution
Pots and pans
Clean by boiling in a strong solution of bicarbonate of soda
Window and mirror cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups hot water
Mould and fridge cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in 2 litres of hot water. Use mixture, then clean
with warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water
Drain cleaner
Dissolve 1/3 cup of bicarbonate of soda in a bucket of boiling water. Pour down
the drain
IN THE GARDEN
The following are effective organic
pesticides. Try some
Bacillus thurigensis berliner (Thuricide) (Bacillus)
Available commercially but you can brew your own. First buy a small pack of Thuricide.
After treatment of caterpillars with the product, collect dead but not decayed
caterpillars. Mash a handful of the dead insects in 1/2 litre of warm milk. Allow to stand
three days. Strain the liquid through a cloth and make up to 4 litres by adding water. Use
the last of one batch to kill enough caterpillars to start a new batch
Black pepper
Grind peppercorns to fine powder, extract active ingredients by steeping in alcohol,
dilute. Used to control weevils and caterpillars
Blowlamp
Very effective against persistent weeds
Borage (Borage Officionalis)
Protects tomatoes, squash and cucumbers
Common Salt (Sodium chloride)
1/2 teaspoon salt in the centre of persistent weeds like dandelions will kill off roots
and all without damaging the lawn. Leave dry salt on the plant as long as possible before
watering
Diatomaceous earth
A fine white 'flour' made up of minute marine insect skeletons. Mechanical action, spikes
puncture insects. Kills useful insects too. Do not breathe in this dust. It causes
silicosis. Wear mask
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Protects tomatoes, squash and cucumbers from insect infestation
Fenvalerate (Pyrethroid)
Use for caterpillars, aphids on vegetables and fruit. No good against mites or soil
insects and grubs.
Toxicity, low for humans and animals, moderate for fish, high for bees and predator
mites, no good on lacewings. Retention is moderate on plant but breaks down on soil
in 2-4 weeks.
Withholding times for fruit — 14 days; sweetcorn — 3 days; brassicas and
tomatoes — 3 days
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium)
A relative of the pyrethrum plant (produces pyrethroids), this small daisylike flower is
an excellent insect repellent because of its bitter aroma
Garlic (Diallyl sulphides)
Plant garlic around the garden. It will repel many of the chewing insects. Or crush to
produce 2 teaspoons of essence, mix with 4 litres water, 30 grams Diatomaceous earth and a
teaspoon of rubbing alcohol.
Do not use garlic powder as it will burn your plants. Used to control aphids and
caterpillars
Lime sulphur
Acts by softening wax of scale insects. Used to control scale insects
Marigolds
Keeps weeds away, keeps potatoes free of nematodes and is a good rabbit repellent. Must be
the scented varieties. The best are African (Tagetes erecta), Mexican (Tagetes minuta) or
pot marigolds (Calendula officianalis)
Return to contents
Melia (White Cedar leaves)
Make a concoction of 1 leaf to 100 ml water, 2 drops soap solution, strain. Used to
control ants, crickets and others. Trial and error method needed to determine local effect
Mineral oil, dormant oil
Used to control mites, mite eggs, scales, mealy bugs
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Protects tomatoes, squash and cucumbers from insect infestation
Parsnip (Myristicin)
Homogenize root by liquidising. Used to kill flies, pea aphids. Works synergistically with
other pesticides
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Repels ticks, mosquitoes, biting insects, especially good at repelling sandflies. Use as a
fleacollar for pets
Pepper (Chilli)
Liquidise 2 or 3 very hot peppers, 1/2 an onion, and a clove of garlic, boil, and leave to
cool and infuse in water for 38 hours, strain. Will not damage tender plants
Permethrin (Pyrethroid)
Similar to fenvalerate.
Withholding times, grapes and citrus 28 days; bush and canefruit — 14 days; sweetcorn
— 7 days; all others — 3 days
Pyrethrum
Used to control aphids and caterpillars.
Pyrethrins are obtained by powdering painted lady plants (chrysanthemum coccineum, or
chrysanthemum cinerariafolium). Use as a dust or emulsify in water. Contact poison. Can
cause dermatitis. Toxicity low for all. Retention short
Rotenone
Extracted from the root of Lonchocarpus.
Content of Derris used to control caterpillars but it kills bees and earthworms and
beneficial insects. Toxic to fish
All pesticides should be handled with care and used in moderation.
When a person is poisoned
Identify the poison
Keep any remaining poison in the original container
Note the trade name and all other details from the container label
Find out its normal use
Establish whether it is solid, liquid or gas
Establish whether it is flammable
Note the smell of the poison
Work out roughly how many or how much was taken
Take the container with you
Swallowed poison
Do not make the person vomit if they have swallowed a corrosive or petroleum substance
such as fly spray, furniture polish, kerosene, paint thinners, petrol, turpentine or white
spirit.
Otherwise, follow the general procedure
below.
If they have swallowed some other harmful substance, such as tablets or medicine:
Give them plenty of fluid by mouth to dilute the poison
Milk or water will do 600 ml or 1 pint for adults; 300 ml or 1/2 pint for children
Make them vomit by putting your fingers down their throat or by giving them one dose
of syrup
of ipecacuanha, followed by 1 or 2 glasses of water, milk or fruit juice.
If vomiting does not occur within 15 minutes, repeat with same dose
Call an ambulance or take them to a doctor or hospital
Wrap them in a blanket to keep them warm
Inhaled poison
If they have inhaled poison
Move them immediately to fresh air
Loosen all clothing
Remove vomit, false teeth, food or other objects from their mouth
If breathing is shallow, give mouth to mouth resuscitation
Call an ambulance or take them to a doctor or hospital
Wrap them in a blanket to keep them warm
Spilled poison
If they have spilled poison on the skin
Wash skin with cold running water
Make sure poison does not spread onto your skin
Pour cold water over the clothing while taking it off
Wash skin with soap and water
Do not use chemical antidotes
Call an ambulance or take them to a doctor or hospital
Poison in the eyes
If they have spilled poison in the eyes:
Hold eyelids open and wash for 15 minutes in a gentle stream of cold running water
Do not use chemical antidotes
Call an ambulance or take them to a doctor or hospital
Bites and stings
2,4-D
One of the constituents of Agent Orange
Use: Herbicide
Hazard: Attacks the nervous system. The effect is often delayed
Precaution: Use with extreme care
Environment: Vigorously opposed by many international
organizations on environmental grounds
2, 4, 5-T
Use: Herbicide
Hazard: 2, 4, 5-T or its contaminant is a suspected carcinogen
and teratogen. It is an embryotoxin
Precaution: Use with extreme care
Environment: Vigorously opposed by many international
organizations on environmental grounds. Although manufacture has ceased, there is no
legislation stopping the use of 2, 4, 5-T
Abrasive cleaner
Use: Cleanser
Content: Mild chlorinating bleach, abrasive grit
Function: Cleanses by scouring action and bleaching
Protection: Wear rubber gloves; avoid breathing the dust
Emergency: Not life threatening, even if swallowed. Induce
vomiting
Alternatives: Liquid cleansers
Acaricide see also Pesticide
Use: To kill spiders and mites
Acceptable daily intake
The quantity of substance that can be ingested daily without detectable detrimental
effects
Measurement: A safe amount level is determined by short-term
laboratory tests on animals. The result is assumed to apply to humans. Results take no
account of the different levels of tolerance by individuals, particularly those with
hypersensitivity to certain products
Acephate see Pesticide
Acetaminophen
Use: Pain reliever
Hazard: Overdosage causes damage to liver functions
Acetic acid
Common name: Vinegar
Use: Food additive (E260)
Content: Acetic acid
Function: Bactericide; acidity regulator; sometimes used as
colouring diluent
Protection: Use in a well-ventilated area
Acetone see also Solvent
Use: In nail varnish, varnish, model airplane adhesives, lacquer
Hazard: Highly inflammable
Return to contents
Active ingredient
The ingredient of a product that performs the function for which the product was made, for
example, the chemical that kills the pest in pesticides
Hazard: Most products contain additives such as solvents,
stabilizers and surfactants that increase the efficiency of the active ingredients, but
which can also be harmful to health and the environment
Acute
Has a short but relatively severe action
Adhesive see Glue
Aerosol see also Fluorocarbons
Hazard: In some aerosols the non-fluorocarbon propellants can be
nitrous oxide (which can cause cancer or brain damage), or propane (which is highly
inflammable). Others are being developed
Protection: Avoid breathing vapour directly from aerosols
Aflatoxin
The toxic ingredient found in the mould produced on some grains and nut products,
particularly those stored under damp conditions. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens
Protection: Avoid using badly stored nut products
Alcohol see Solvent, Ethyl alcohol, Methyl alcohol
Aldrin see Dieldrin and Pesticide
Alkylate sulphonate (linear)
Use: Wetting agent in detergents
Hazard: Absorbed through skin; a possible cause of liver
ailments
Protection: Wear rubber gloves and rinse Clothing thoroughly
Allergen
A product that produces an allergic reaction. Allergens can occur in almost all products.
Personal identification and avoidance of your own allergens is the only way to prevent a
reaction
Allergy
Acquired sensitivity to particular substances. Is manifest in many ways, from minor skin
irritation to life-threatening asthma attack
Aloe vera
Use: Skin treatment; stomach upset cure
Hazard: Can cause diarrhea in infants of nursing mothers
Aluminium
Use: Food additive (E173)
Function: Colourant
Hazard: Dissolves off pots and pans. High concentrations cause
memory loss and Alzheimer's disease
Alternative: Use non-aluminium cookware, such as stainless
steel or cast iron
Aluminium chlorohydrate
The antiperspirant ingredient in deodorants
Hazard: Skin irritant
Alternative: Avoid deodorants containing anti-perspirant if they
cause a skin rash
Amitrole see Pesticide
Ammonia
Use: Cleanser
Content: Ammonia gas dissolved in water
Function: Strong alkali bleaching action
Protection: Wear rubber gloves; use in a well-ventilated area
Emergency: If swallowed drink weak acids (lemon juice or
vinegar) instead of milk or water. Seek medical aid
Alternatives: Soaps and detergents
Ammonium salts see Bleach
Antacid
Use: Relief of indigestion
Content: May contain aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,
sodium bicarbonate or calcium bicarbonate
Hazard: Aluminium compounds cause constipation. Magnesium
compounds cause diarrhea. Sodium bicarbonate increases blood pressure. Calcium bicarbonate
can produce kidney stones or kidney damage
Antidote
A substance that nullifies the harmful effects of a poison. Must be administered
immediately after exposure, before the poisoning effect becomes irreversible
Antioxidant see also Butylated hydroxyanisole
A substance that prevents oxidation. Products become oxidized when exposed to atmospheric
oxygen. For example, fats become rancid and fruit becomes discoloured. Antioxidants
prevent these effects
Hazard: There are no known human hazards except for BHA
(Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Anti-perspirant see Aluminium chlorohydrate
Antiseptic
Destroyer of microorganisms (bacteria) that invade the body
Arsenic see Pesticide; Wood preservative
Artificial food colourant see also
Food additives
Hazard: Many are known carcinogens. Some cause allergic reactions or
hyperactivity in children
Protection: Avoid products containing these ingredients
Asbestos
Use: Brake shoes and pads; building; insulation material
Content: Microscopic fibres
Hazard: Inhaled fibres attack lungs causing cancers and
other diseases
Protection: Wear a fully self-contained space suit
Alternatives: Materials with less invasive particles, such as
fibreglass (rockwool) and fibrous mica. Great care must still be taken when using them -
wear non-porous gloves, a dust mask and goggles
Aspartame see Sweetener
Aspergillus enzyme
Use: Found in cheeses and other products such as bread, where
enzymes are used
Hazard: It is believed that the body changes the substance into
a cancer forming agent
Asprin
Use: Pain reliever
Hazard: Powdered forms contain sodium, which increases blood
pressure. Other forms may Contain phenacetin, which causes kidney disease and anaemia
Protection: Use under medical supervision
Bacillus thurigensis
berliner see Thuricide
Benzene see Solvent
Benzene hexachloride see also Pesticide
Use: Insecticide
Hazard: An organochlorine. Highly toxic if ingested; moderately
toxic if inhaled. Irritates eyes and skin. Is a suspected carcinogen
Precaution: Use with extreme care
Environment: Although this product is available to home
gardeners it is vigorously opposed on environmental grounds by many international
organizations
Benzine see also Solvent
Use: As solvent for rubber cement, glues, resins
Hazard: Highly volatile and inflammable
Precaution: Use in well-ventilated area
Benzoyl peroxide
Use: In acne medications
Hazard: Causes skin cancer in test mice
BHA see Butylated hydroxyanisole
BHC see Benzene hexachloride
BHT see Butylated hydroxytoluene
Biodegradable
A product that is decomposed by natural biological processes. Normally used for products
that break down rapidly
Biological pest management
The use of a natural predator to control a specific pest. For example, introducing a
special species of ladybird to a greenhouse to eradicate aphids
Butylated hydroxyanisole
Use: To prevent fats and oils from going rancid. Found in baked
goods, beverages, breakfast cereals, ice-cream, potato chips and other products containing
vegetable oils
Hazard: Enlarges the kidneys and livers of test animals.
May also cause enzyme changes that make the body more susceptible to cancer and affect
reproduction
Bleach
Use: Stain remover and whitener
Content: One of the following: ammonium salts; calcium
hypochlorite; sodium hypochlorate; sodium perborate; chlorine
Function: Releases oxygen when dissolved and reacts with colours
to bleach them
Protection: Use rubber gloves and eye protection
Emergency: If swallowed, use antidotes such as milk, egg white,
starch paste or milk of magnesia. Induce vomiting
Environment: Kills vegetation, but otherwise no hazard
Alternative: Sunlight
Blood test
The analysis of a blood specimen to determine the presence or absence of a particular
substance. It is not a foolproof method of detecting exposure, particularly if exposure
was brief, testing did not immediately follow suspected exposure; some substances are
rapidly excreted, doing their damage on the way; or if some substances are deposited in
other areas of the body, such as fatty
tissue or the liver, instead of the blood
Borax
Use: Water softener; disinfectant; insecticide
Function: Dissolves to make water alkaline. Can be mixed with
sugar as an insecticide for ants and some cockroaches
Hazard:. May be mistaken for powdered Milk; affects nervous
system in large doses
Protection: Label container clearly. Avoid prolonged use in
ointments. Keep out of reach of children
Emergency: If swallowed, induce vomiting
Environment: Toxic to plants
Boric acid
Use: Cosmetic products, particularly baby powder, bath powder,
creams, mouthwashes, soaps and skin treatments
Hazard: Is toxic to infants if absorbed through abraded skin
(less than 5 gr can cause death)
Protection: Avoid products containing this ingredient
Brominated vegetable oil
Use: To stabilize flavouring oils. Found in baked goods, citrus
and other fruit juices and beverages and ice-cream
Hazard: May cause heart and liver damage
Buffer
A substance that resists changes in the acid/alkali balance of a solution. Usually a salt
formed from a weak acid
Bulking agent
Food additives that add significant volume to a food product but adds no calorific or
energy value
Butylated hydroxytoluene see Butylated
hydroxyanisole
BVO see Brominated vegetable oil
Cadmium
Use: Pigment; fireproofing; a stabilizer in plastics; batteries;
worm killer (nematodicide); in electroplating
Content: Metal element
Hazard: A most toxic metal. Avoid inhaling or ingesting fumes
Protection: Prevent children from gnawing painted toys
Alternative: Choose wooden and unpainted toys. Avoid earthenware
glazed by amateurs
Calcium hypochlorite see also Bleach
Use: Swimming pool sterilizer
Function: Chlorine is produced when dissolved in water and
oxidizes to kill bacteria and algae. Also has bleaching effect
Hazard: Explosive when hot or damp. Spontaneously ignites on
contact with oils and solvents. Releases poisonous chlorine fumes on contact with acid.
Burns on contact with skin
Protection: Wear rubber gloves and goggles. Never leave in a car
boot on a hot day. Always add powder to water, never the other way round
Alternative: Use non-chlorine pool sterilizers such as Bactril,
or an electrolytic chlorine generator
Calcium peroxide
Use: Dough bleaching agent. Found in white bread
Hazard: Mutagenic at high concentrations
Camphor
Use: In mothballs as moth deterrent and as skin conditioner in
salves and ointments
Function: Mild disinfectant and emollient (skin softener)
Hazard: Toxic if swallowed, or if camphorated ointment applied
to the nostrils of small children
Cancer promoter
A substance that increases the risk of cancer developing when a carcinogenic substance is
encountered, even though the promoter is not itself a carcinogenic substance
Return to contents
Captan see Pesticide
Carbamate see Pesticide
Carbaryl see Pesticide
Carbolic acid
Use: Disinfectant
Hazard: Passes through skin; very toxic
Protection: Wear rubber gloves, goggles and mask
Emergency: Speed of treatment is essential, as caustic is very
reactive. Seek medical help immediately
Carbon monoxide
Toxic gas
Hazard: Interferes with the capacity of the blood to take up
oxygen
Protection: Keep away from car exhausts, especially in enclosed
spaces
Carbon tetrachloride see Solvent
A chlorinated solvent
Use: For degreasing. used in some old fire extinguishers
Hazard: Produces toxic gases when it decomposes in contact with
hot surfaces
Carcinogenic
A substance that initiates cancer (uncontrolled cell growth). The method of such
initiation is as yet unknown
Catalyst
A chemical that initiates and takes part in a chemical reaction but remains unchanged when
the reaction is complete
Cathartic
Purgative drug or agent
Caustic soda
Use: Oven and drain cleaners
Content: Sodium peroxide, potassium hydroxide, or caustic potash
Function: Combines with fats and waxes to form water soluble
soaps or emulsions
Hazard: Rapidly burns eyes and skin, as it is strongly alkali
Protection: Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Emergency: If on skin, wash copiously with water or vinegar. If
ingested, do not induce vomiting. Seek medical aid immediately. Drink plenty of water and
keep calm
Alternative: For ovens, use washing soda and steel wool, or a
damp soapy cloth while oven is still warm. For drains, use a hot solution of washing soda
(sodium carbonate) or a handful of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), followed by a cupful
of water
CFC see Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorine see Calcium hypochlorite
Chloroethylene see Vinyl chloride
monomer
Chlorofluorocarbons see Fluorocarbons
Chlordane (1,2,4,5,6,8,8-octochloro3a, 4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4, 7-methanoidan)
Use: Insecticide
Hazard: Organochlorine, suspected carcinogen, teratogen, causes
blood disorders
Environment: Vigorously opposed on environmental grounds by many
international organizations
Chloroform see also
Solvent
A chlorinated solvent
Use: As a solvent for resins and fats
Chronic
An action that persists over a long period
Common salt see Sodium chloride
Correction fluid see also Solvents
Use: Typing error covering liquid
Content: Pigment and trichloroethane or trichloroethylene
Protection: Use only in a well-ventilated area. Very toxic
Emergency: If inhaled seek fresh air immediately. If swallowed,
use normal treatment as for petroleum products
Environment: As highly toxic ensure that all solvent has
evaporated before disposal by removing plastic stopper and leaving bottle in a
well-ventilated area
Alternatives: Erasing rubber or erasing strip. Letter-lifting
typewriter or word processor
Corrosive
Vigorous chemical action that destroys the surface it comes into contact with
Cosmetics
Content: There are thousands of cosmetics, using many hundreds
of ingredients. Not all are safe
Alternative: Herbal or 'organic' cosmetics
Cough suppressant
Use: Relief of colds and coughing
Content: Dextromethorphan or codeine
Hazard: Causes drowsiness. Codeine can be addictive if taken in
large doses over an extended period
Precaution: Do not undertake tasks such as driving that require
concentration
Creosote
Use: Timber treatment for fungus and termite attack
Content: Black liquid derived from coal tar
Function: Contains a mixture of phenolic compounds that kill
most living organisms
Hazard: Corrosive and carcinogenic
Protection: Wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles
Alternatives: Of the three wood preservatives available
pentachlorphenol, copper chrome arsenate and creosote - creosote is the least hazardous
Cresol
Use: Disinfectant
Hazard: Can be absorbed through lungs. Very toxic
Precaution: Wear gloves, goggles and breathing apparatus
Emergency: Seek medical help immediately
Cultural pest control
A technique to control or eliminate pests by controlling the environment. For example,
place fine mesh around cabbages to deter cabbage-white Butterfly
Cumulative poison
The effect of exposure to successive small doses that are stored by the body and
ultimately reach a damaging quantity
Cyclamate see Sweetener
DDT see also
Pesticide
Use: Insecticide
Hazard: Organochlorine
Precaution: Use with extreme caution
Environment: Vigorously opposed by many international
organizations on environmental grounds
Decongestant
Use: Relief from colds and allergies
Content: Pseudoephedrenes, antihistamines and belladonna
Hazard: Increases blood pressure; causes nervousness, insomnia
and palpitations
Derris see Pesticide
Detergent
Use: Clothes washing and whitening
Content: Surface active ingredient to bind to dirt and keep it
suspended in water. Other ingredients; alkalinity adjusters; perfumes; free flow
additives; foam stabilizers; bleaches, softeners; brightening agents; phosphates;
silicates; and enzymes
Hazard: As strongly alkaline will burn sensitive skin. Is
dangerous if splashed into eyes or swallowed
Protection: Wear gloves and goggles
Environment: Non-biodegradable detergents are slow to
break down. The phosphates in detergent promote rapid algae growth that pollutes rivers
and streams. When the algae die and rot they use up the oxygen in the water. The water
becomes unable to support life and putrefying bacteria invade the system.
Alternatives: Herbal dishwash and clotheswashing powders and
liquids such as Herbon, Nutrimetics and Amway are available from health food shops
Diazinon see Pesticide
Dicamba see Pesticide
Dichloroethane see also Solvent
A chlorinated solvent
Use: As a solvent for lacquers
Dichlorvos see Pesticide
Dieldrin (also known as Aldrin) see also
Pesticide
Environment: Vigorously opposed by many international
organizations, on environmental grounds
Diet pills
Use: To produce weight loss
Content: Caffeine, phenylpropanolamine
Hazard: Increases blood pressure
Diluent
A substance that is used to dissolve or dilute another substance
Dimethoate see Pesticide
Dipel see Pesticide
Diquat see Pesticide
Disulphoton see Pesticide
Dioxin
Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. There are more than 75 dioxins. The most toxic is
2,3,7,8-tetra-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Dioxin is an unwanted byproduct in the
manufacture of 2,4,5-T and other organochlorine compounds. It is also formed by combustion
of organic compounds in the presence of chlorides. Thus it can be produced in coal, oil
and wood fires, and when plastics are burnt, particularly plastics containing chlorine,
such as PVC
Hazard: One of the most toxic chemicals known
Environment: Immobilized in soil, breaks down very slowly,
probably longer than 25 years
Drain cleaner see Caustic soda,
Hydrochloric acid, Potassium, Sodium hydroxide, Lye
Dry-cleaning solvent (also known as white
spirit, perchloroethylene, fluorocarbon)
Use: Removes dirt and grease from clothes and fabric
Hazard: Evaporates quickly, white spirit is also inflammable
Protection: Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Environment: All these solvents are vented to the atmosphere and
not recycled. Fluorocarbons damage the ozone layer. Perchloroethylene is toxic to the
atmosphere. The residue from processing all three solvents is flushed down the drain and
pollutes the oceans
EDB see Ethylene
dibromide
Emulsifier see also Surfactant
A substance that assists one compound in becoming soluble, or miscible in another that it
usually will not mix with
Endosulphan see Pesticide
Epoxy resin
Use: Glues, paints, varnish, casting resin and for making moulds
Content: Epoxide, amide or mercaptan
Hazard: Strong reaction of nausea, allergies or headaches to
unmixed components in some people
Precaution: Wear rubber gloves
Ethyl alcohol see also Solvent
Use: Intoxicant in beverages, Antiseptic and solvent for fats
Ethylene dibromide
Use: Fumigant
Hazard: Halogenated fumigant. Highly irritating to eyes, skin
and mucous membranes. Damages central nervous system, kidney and liver. In New Zealand it
is only available to commercial users
Eucalyptus oil
Use: Disinfectant, pesticide
Alternative: Garlic, soap, white oil or onion spray
Hazard: It is poisonous in large doses of 3-20 ml and can
kill. It can be beneficial in very small doses
Exipient
A powdered inert substance used to bind active ingredients into a tablet. Term is also
used in the
baking trade to indicate the carrier substance for additives in bread
Fibreglass
Consists of a polyester resin reinforced with glass fibres
Use: For building boat, cars, surfboards
Content: Polyester resin, hardener (usually a peroxide)
Hazard: Unmixed components and solvents are toxic
Precaution: Wear rubber gloves, mask and goggles. Use in a
well-ventilated area, with water supply nearby
Environment: Does not break down. Dispose by burial or high
temperature incineration
Flowers of sulphur see Sulphur
Fluorides see also Fluorocarbons
Use: In water supply; as hardener for teeth in toothpaste,
mouthwash and dental tablets
Content: Stannous fluoride
Hazard: A few people, under one percent of the population are
susceptible to very low amounts (1 ppm) of stannous fluoride. Overdoses (two times the
normal beneficial dose) can cause serious mottling of teeth. Acute poisoning occurs with
20 times the normal beneficial dose. Household tap water contains considerably less than
the normal beneficial dose of stannous fluoride
Alternatives: Use unfluoridated toothpaste for the very young,
who tend to swallow toothpaste. Tooth decay can be prevented with a good diet that is low
in sugars and carbohydrates. If teeth start to show mottling, rainwater or distilled water
should be used for drinking and cooking. Use distilled water for bottlefed babies formula
rather than tap water
Fluorocarbons
Use: Propellant for aerosols; refrigerant in air conditioners
and freezers; dry-cleaning agent
Environment: Destroys atmospheric ozone layer. Avoid using when
possible
Food additive
A substance added to food to enhance its properties. Food additives will be listed by 'E'
(European) number instead of by name on the outside of the product in descending order of
quantity contained in the product
Additives fall into the following classes:
E100 - 180
Colours
E200 - 290
Preservatives
E300 - 321
Antioxidants
Some numbers between
E322 and
495
Emulsifiers, thickeners
E420, 421
Sweeteners
E422
Solvent
E905,907
Mineral hydrocarbons
Miscellaneous additives which are not included in a run sequence of numbers include such
things as monosodium glutamate (flavour enhancer), bulking agents, glazing agents and
anti-foaming compounds
Food colouring see Food additive
A pigment or dye added to food to enhance its appearance
Food flavour see also Food
additive
A substance added to food to enhance its taste
Food preservative see also Antioxidant,
Food additive
A substance added to food to lengthen its shelf life
Formaldehyde
Use: This chemical has many uses. The gas is used as a fumigant.
Formalin (the gas dissolved in water) is used as a preservative and disinfectant. Used in
nail hardeners. As a resin in glues and laminating agents, for plastic foam, as carpet
'finish', as a stiffener for tissues, and to dress garments against shrinkage, creasing
and crushing
Hazard: Causes allergies, and in some people hypersensitivity
Precaution: Use in a well-ventilated area. Wash new garments,
especially underwear, before wearing
Freon see also Fluorocarbon and Solvent
A fluoridated solvent
Fungicide see also Pesticide
Use: To kill fungus
Genetically Modified
(GM)
GM or GE(Genetically Engineered) is the process by which genetic traits can be copied and
transferred between species.
The practice of selective breeding has in the past been sufficient to keep pace with our
needs for improved crops and stock.
Scientists have developed a process where they introduce elements of the DNA of a
different species or remove DNA elements from the DNA of the target species to produce
special added traits such as pest resistance
The safety of the products produced by this process (biotechnology) for human consumption
is currently undetermined. Each product will have to be individually tested.
Glue
Content: Starch and waterbased PVA (polyvinylacetate) glues can
be used by children. Most solvent based glues are a fire hazard, and are a health hazard
when inhaled. 'Super glues' should be kept off the skin
Precaution: Use in well-ventilated areas. Supervise children
using solvent based glues
Emergency: Seek medical help immediately
Glyphosphate see Pesticide
Guaiacol
Use: As a less toxic substitute for Phenol in cosmetics
Hazard: Can be absorbed through skin. Causes intestinal
irritation and heart failure. Banned in EEC
Hair dye
Use: To colour or tint hair
Content: Aromatic amines. A few contain lead acetate. Lead
acetate is absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the body. Some aromatic amines are
carcinogenic
Hazard: The most hazardous dyes are those that require mixture
with hydrogen peroxide or ammonia
Alternative: Use herbal or 'organic' hair dyes
Head lice treatment
Use: To kill headlice and their eggs
Function: Insecticide
Content: Pyrethrins are safe and effective. Carbaryl and
malathion have been found to be the most effective. DDT, an organochlorine, is not
recommended. Lindane, an organochlorine, is widely used but not recommended. Benzoyl
benzoate, an insect repellent, is not recommended
Alternative: Tea Tree shampoo oil. Mechanical destruction with
fine-toothed comb, followed by wash with 50/50 mix vinegar and water. If this fails use
pyrethrin gel or cream. Follow instructions carefully
Heptachlor see Pesticide
Herbicides see also Pesticide
Use: To kill vegetation
Hexazinone see Pesticide
Humectant
A substance that absorbs atmospheric moisture to prevent a product 'drying out'
Hydrocarbon see Solvent
Hydrochloric acid
Use: Breaks down organic matter
Function: Drain cleaner
Hazard: Extremely corrosive
Protection: Wear rubber gloves, goggles and apron, preferably
rubber-coated
Emergency: Flush affected areas with copious amounts of water.
Seek medical aid immediately
Hydrogen peroxide see Peroxide
Hypersensitivity
The extreme behavioural response of some children and adults to small quantities of
certain ingredients in their food and drink
Hypertension
Abnormally high blood pressure
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure
Immunity
Being protected by the body's defences against infection
Infection
Invasion of the body by micro-organisms (bacteria, virus)
Insecticide see also Pesticide
Use: To kill insects
Insect repellent
Use: To keep insects away from the body
Content: May include ingredients such as chromiton, triclosan,
diethytm, toluamide or pyrethroids (pesticides)
Hazard: Effects of ingredients on users not known
Alternative: Herbal products such as citronella,
pennyroyal, sassafras, cajuput, lavender and bergamot
Integrated pest management see Biological pest management
Iodide see Iodine
Iodine
Use: Antiseptic
Function: Penetrates bacterial Cells and destroys them
Hazard: Corrosive in crystalline state
Emergency: If ingested, seek immediate medical aid
Alternative: Other external application antiseptic creams or
ointments
Kerosine see also
Solvents
A fuel. Good solvent for grease and tar
Hazard: Poisonous if swallowed
Knockdown
The initial rapid and recoverable paralysis produced by low doses of insecticides usually
pyrethrins. Normally used in combination with a killing insecticide
Laxative
Use: To purge intestinal tracts, for example, to relieve
constipation
Content: Softeners, bulking agents, cathartics and/or stimulants
Hazard: Mineral oils prevent absorption of vitamins and are
suspected carcinogens. Castor oil causes loss of body fluids. stimulants can cause stomach
cramps. Sodium cathartics cause loss of body fluids and can produce kidney problems
LD50
The dose (quantity) of a given substance which will kill 50 percent of the test animals
within a specified time. The value is usually given as milligrams of substance versus
kilograms of bodyweight of the test animal. 0.01 mg/ kg is considered extremely toxic;
1000 mg/kg slightly toxic. This is often the only measurement of toxicity available on
large numbers of chemicals, and is usually accepted by authorities. Scaling these
measurements up to the human condition (which is the current practice) may be inaccurate
as it creates scalar problems and does not take into account the inconsistent nature of
individual human physiology
Lead
Use: Many products contain lead, often in the form of
alloys
Content: Metallic lead
Function: Lead has no known beneficial use within the body. It
is an accumulative contaminant. When found in the body in quantity, it creates damage to
the brain and nervous system
Protection: Avoid lead-bearing products
Environment: Lead contamination of the air and soil, by
deterioration of old paint and other lead containing products including leaded petrol, can
cause poisoning
Lindane see Benzene Hexachloride
and Pesticide
Lye see Caustic soda
Malathion see Pesticide
MCPA see Methylchlorophenoxy-acetic acid
MEK see Solvent
Methylchlorophenoxy-acetic acid see Pesticide
Mercury
Use: Various, in a number of products such as thermometers,
tumbler switches, hydrometers
Hazard: Accumulates in the body, particularly the brain. Readily
absorbed. Causes crippling, brain damage and blindness
Environment: Readily combines with organic compounds and can
easily enter the food chain
Alternatives: Use non-mercury equivalents, such as alcohol
thermometers, polymer/ceramic dental fillings
Metaldehyde see Pesticide
Metasystox see Pesticide
Methiocarb see Pesticide
Methyl alcohol
Use: Added to ethyl alcohol to produce methylated spirits
Hazard: Poisonous when drunk in volume. Usually dyed with
pyridine to make it unpalatable
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
see Solvent
Methylated spirits see Methyl alcohol,
Solvent
Methylene chloride
Use: In cleaning, polishing solutions and paint strippers
Hazard: Inhalation causes the blood to take up carbon monoxide
in preference to oxygen. The effect is similar to asphyxiation
Precaution: Use in well-ventilated area
Miticide see also Pesticide
Use: To kill mites
Monosodium glutamate
Use: Food additive (E621 )
Function: Flavour enhancer
Hazard: Some people are sensitive to this product. Can cause
chest pains, palpitations, convulsions and even induce chronic asthma
Precaution: Avoid products containing monosodium glutamate
Moth balls see Naphthalene
Motion sickness drugs
Use: Prevention of sickness in vehicles by ingested tablet or by
skin absorption tablet
Content: Dimenhydrinate is the most common ingredient in
non-prescription drugs. Scopolamine or hyoscine is most common in prescription drugs
Hazard: All cause drowsiness. Can increase symptoms of glaucoma,
enlarge the prostate and cause urine retention. Use under medical supervision
MSG see Monosodium glutamate
Mutagenic
A substance that produces changes in the structure of the genes. Particularly of concern
is the effects on egg and sperm cells, which can lead to offspring who are either more
susceptible to cancers or are likely to have abnormalities
Naphthalene
Use: Moth repellent
Hazard: Vapour can cause nausea, convulsions, diarrhea and
vomiting
Precaution: Use in well-ventilated area. Wash any clothes stored
with naphthalene
Alternative: Dried lavender or cloves
Natural gas
Use: Energy source
Content: Methane, ethane, propane and butane, and sometimes
mercaptan. Odour compounds are often added for safety
Precaution: Use in well-ventilated area
Nematodicide see Pesticide
A chemical used to kill small nematode worms in potato crops
Neurotoxin
A substance that effects the normal working of the nervous system
Nicotine
Use: Insecticide
Hazard: Very toxic
Precaution: Use alternative product
Alternative: Any other organic insecticide
Nitrate
Use: Food preservative, mainly for meats
Function: Prevents growth of bacteria
Hazard: Hypersensitives should avoid these products
Precaution: Avoid eating processed meats
Nitrite see Nitrate
Nitrobenzene
Use: Polishing ingredient
Hazard: Vapour is toxic and rapidly absorbed through skin.
If inhaled or ingested, causes nausea, vomiting and impairs oxygen absorption of blood
Precaution: Avoid products containing ingredient
O-hydroxyanisole see
Guaiacol
Organochlorine see Pesticide
Organophosphate see Pesticide
Oxidation
The act of chemically combining with oxygen — sometimes also used for the chemical
action of the removal of hydrogen
Paint
Content: Pigment, filler, resin, and solvent or water. Most
modern paints used in the home are water-based. A few are solvent-based. Always be sure of
the precautions necessary when using your product. Specialist and industrial paint
products should be used with particular attention to safety, as many are very toxic
Hazard: Some old paints contain lead
Precaution: Do not burn off paint suspected to contain lead.
Scraping, sandblasting, chipping, sanding or using a paint stripper are preferable.
Whatever type of paint you are removing, always use a dust mask. Collect the waste
chippings and dust - a vacuum cleaner makes this job easy and wrap them in paper to
prevent spillage. Dispose of them at the city dump. Try not to pollute the soil where the
paint is being removed as it remains in the environment for a very long time
Paint stripper see also Solvent
Use: To remove paints and varnishes
Content: Methylene chloride, caustic soda, ammonia or other
solvents
Hazard: Solvent or caustic fumes
Precaution: Use in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and
goggles. Dispose of scrapings by wrapping in paper and sending them to the dump. Do not
bury this material on your property
Alternatives: Sandblasting, sanding, scraping. Burning is not
recommended as it may create toxic by-products, even in water-based paints
Para-dichlorbenzine
Use: Deodorizer, disinfectant and moth repellent
Function: Prevents the formation of foul-smelling amines in
stagnant urine. Its strong odour masks other smells.
Alternative: Regular, frequent cleaning of toilets prevents the
formation of amines. Use vinegar solution as a cleanser
Paraffin see also Solvent
Use: Solvent (paint thinner), wax candles, ointment base,
internal medicament (liquid paraffin)
Content: Alkanes (the members of the organic chemical group that
is the paraffins) are usually extracted from natural gas and petroleum. They come in a
range from liquids to hard waxes
Paraquat (1,1'dimethyl-4,7'- bipyridinum ion) see
also Pesticide
Use: Herbicide
Hazard: Highly toxic. Oral ingestion extremely serious. Skin
penetration and inhalation hazardous. Initially causes irritation to mucous membranes,
followed by vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Delayed pulmonary and renal
scarring are irreversible. May be fatal
Pentachlorophenol
An organochlorine that is banned in many countries
Use: Wood preservative and pesticide
Function: Interferes with normal working of body cells. It is a
fungicide, herbicide and insecticide
Hazard: Strong poison, easily absorbed through skin and lungs.
Toxic to liver, kidneys and nervous system
Protection: Avoid using this product
Emergency: Seek immediate medical aid
Alternatives: For a timber preservative use compounds of copper
or zinc salts. Use organic pesticides
Perchloroethylene see also Solvent
A chlorinated solvent
Permethrin see Pesticide
Peroxide
Use: As bleach in hair preparations and detergents, as catalyst
in some plastic preparations
Function: Releases free oxygen which breaks down coloured
products
Precautions: Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Alternative: Household bleach (sodium hypochloride), but caution
must still be exercised
Persistence
The ability of a substance to remain in the environment for a long period after its
introduction
Pesticide
Use: For selectively killing unwanted organisms. (The suffix
'-icide' means to kill)
Precautions: Read the label of all pesticides and follow the
directions exactly. Take no chances
Alternatives: Use organic pesticides, companion planting or
mechanical techniques
Petrol see also Solvent; Lead
A fuel sometimes containing a lead additive
Protection: Wear gloves and goggles. Do not breathe the fumes
Petroleum spirit see Turpentine
Phenol see Carbolic acid
Phenothrin see Pesticide
Photographic chemicals
Use: Developing and printing photographic images
Content: Borax, sodium carbonate, sodium sulphite and sodium
hydroxide
Precaution: Follow the safety requirements of all the chemicals
and solvents used in photographic processing
Piperonyl butoxide see Pesticide
Plastic see also Vinyl chloride
monomer
Most plastic products are non-poisonous in their finished form
Hazard: Many plastics give off poisonous fumes when burnt
- handy person plastic fabrication (such as polyester/ fibreglass, epoxy/fibreglass,
specialist car paints, specialist boat paints and adhesives) involves the use of dangerous
chemicals and solvents, which would have a mandatory safety procedure if used in the
industrial field. Always make sure that you understand the dangers and the precautions
that should be taken with do-it-yourself jobs
Precaution: Do not burn plastic products. Many give off toxic
chemicals when burnt. Some plastics such as carrier bags give off minute quantities of
toxic fumes which could build up in an unventilated area. Store in a well-ventilated place
Pool chemicals see Calcium hypochlorite;
Chlorine
Potassium hydroxide see Caustic
soda
Pressure container
A metal container filled with a chemical, dissolved in a volatile solvent, that is
released as tiny droplets on operation of the release mechanism usually a button. For
example, hair spray, fly spray, furniture polish, spraycan paint
Prophylactic
A medicine or medical procedure to prevent a disease
Propoxur see Pesticide
PVC see Plastic
Pyrethrin see Pesticide
Pyrethroids see Pesticide
Pyrethrum see Pesticide
Quinine
Use: Medicament or bitter flavouring. Found in tonic water,
bitters and fruit beverages
Hazard: Produces hearing loss, vision impairment and nausea
Precaution: Avoid using this product if it causes allergic or
other reaction
Residue
Traces of a substance or its breakdown products left on crop, soil, water or any other
part of the environment. They may be toxic
Resmethrin see Pesticide
Rodenticide see also Pesticide
Use: To kill rodents
Rotenone see Pesticide
Rust inhibitor
Use: To inhibit corrosion, particularly on the metal of cars
Content: Water displacement wetting agent; fish oil; phosphoric
acid and phosphates that combine with rust to form protective coating
Hazard: These products are hard to wash off. Phosphoric
compounds are corrosive
Precaution: Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Alternative: Mechanical removal of rust, followed by metal
primer
Saccharin see Sweetener
Salt see Sodium chloride
Sequestrant
Substances that prevent trace metals from interfering with normal processes, for example
to accelerate oxidation; to prevent gelation
Snail bait see Pesticide
Soaps
Use: Cleaning. Detergents are now often used for some purposes
Function: Surface acting agents that emulsify dirt making it
water-soluble
Sodium chloride (Common Salt)
Hazard: Causes hypertension (high blood pressure)
Sodium hydrogen L-glutamate see
Monosodium glutamate
Sodium hydroxide see Caustic soda
Sodium hypochlorite see Bleach
Sodium nitrate (E251) see Nitrate
Sodium nitrite (E250) see Nitrate
Sodium peroxide see Peroxide
Solvents
May be distillations of petroleum, which include petrol, kerosene, white spirit, petroleum
spirit. All are inflammable. Some are poisonous and absorbed through the skin. May also be
chlorinated solvents, which include carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloroethane,
freon, perchloroethane, trichloroethane. Most are non-flammable, but are very toxic
and also affect liver function
Use: There are many kinds of solvent, and all have different
uses
Precaution: Whatever solvent you use, determine the safety
measures needed beforehand
Emergency: Treat all solvents as petroleum products. Seek
medical help immediately
Spider treatment see Pesticide
Spray drift
The unintentional dispersal of a substance beyond the boundaries of the targeted area
Stimulant
Increases bodily or mental activity
Sugar soap
Use: To clean surfaces before painting. To remove mould
Content: Sand (abrasive) a strong and a surfactant
Hazard: Corrosive
Precautions: Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Alternative: Soap and scrubbing brush
Sulphite
Use: Food additives, preservatives (E220-E224)
Function: Antioxidant; to prevent bacterial attack on food
Hazard: Can cause intestinal and circulatory disturbances. Can
induce life threatening attacks in asthmatics
Alternatives: Other food preservatives
Sulphiting agent see Sulphites
Sulphur
Use: As a pesticide used in compound forms as a disinfectant,
fertilizer, in drugs and as sulphuric acid
Hazard: Atmospheric sulphur dioxide from factory emissions
causes acid rain
Sulphur dioxide see Sulphites
Surface tension
The force required to break the ability of water to form a skin (meniscus)
Surfactant
A substance that is able to dissolve in both water and oily mediums
Sweetener
Use: Sugar replacement
Content: Artificial sweetener, saccharine, cyclamate and
aspartame
Hazard: Saccharine and cyclamate are suspected
carcinogens. Aspartame should not be ingested by young children as they are unable to
process it. It accumulates in their bodies and can lead to mental retardation and death
Alternatives: Other dietary methods
Synergist
A chemical which when combined with another chemical produces a more effective result than
would be expected from the combined effects of the individual chemicals
Systemic
A substance absorbed through the leaves or roots of a plant and transported throughout the
plant by its sap
Tartrazine (E102)
Use: Food colouring
Hazard: Induces asthma, particularly when user is sensitive to
Asprin
Alternative: Avoid synthetically coloured foods
Teratogenic
The ability of a substance to cause abnormal development of a foetus
Tetramethrin see Pesticide
Thuricide (Bacillus Thurigensis Berliner)
Use: Organic pesticide
Tin
Use: Coating of steel cans; in solder; in bronze and pewter; as
a stabilizer in plastics; as pesticide; in agriculture as fungicide and acaricide; in
marine paints
Hazard: Some organic-tin compounds are toxic, such as certain
pigments, additives in plastics, marine paints
Precaution: Avoid unlacquered, corroded or damaged cans,
especially when for babies. Do not leave or store food in open cans
Toilet cleansers
Use: Cleansing of toilets
Content: Detergents, cleansing agents, dyes and perfumes
Hazard: Cleansers are poisonous. Keep out of reach of children
Environment: All chemicals go directly into sewage system and
end up in the ocean
Alternative: Plain water and vigourous brushing is more
effective than most if not all toilet cleansers
Toluene see also Solvent
Use: So