Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Chemical exposure: Why your leftover lotions can be considered hazardous waste

Some personal care products may not belong into
the garbage disposal, experts say.
The next time your body lotion dispenser feels like it’s getting low, think twice before throwing it into the garbage.

Depending on where you live, personal care products with cosmetic content can be considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly.

Most people know that personal care products like nail polish, nail polish remover, hairspray and hair dye belong to this category because of the volatile organic compounds they contain and emit.

Among the VOCs that can be hazardous to human health are acetone, toluene, formaldehyde and ammonia.

But even seemingly harmless body lotion leftovers, sunscreen, hair conditioner, cleansers, scrubs and other products may fall into that category and may have to be taken waste depots or recycling centers – along with those collections of old batteries, paint cans, solvents, medications, pesticides and other materials).

The reasoning given is that many of these personal care products are classified as liquid that does not belong into the solid waste garbage disposal destined for landfills, since it could seep into the groundwater.

Empty containers can and should be recycled, of course.

For the best ways to dispose of leftover cosmetics in your region, please call the local authorities.

Source: YourHome.ca

Take care of your indoor air

Personal care products are one source of indoor air pollution, as many of them contain harsh chemicals and VOCs that have been linked to human health conditions.

Using more natural products, safe storage and disposal, ventilation and ambient air cleaning can help reduce exposure to chemicals and harmful substances and provide cleaner and healthier air.

AllerAir offers portable room air purifiers with many pounds of activated carbon, the most effective filter media for the removal of airborne gases, chemicals and odors, a HEPA filter for particle filtration and other filters for dust and larger particles as well as bacteria, viruses and molds.

Contact AllerAir for more information and personalized recommendations.