Handling Hazmat Problems at Home
Most people have pesticides, paints and cleaning products in their home, but few know how to handle those products safely. For example, don't mix cleaning products since many combinations can create a toxic or corrosive vapor. If a spill or accident happens, handling the situation carefully can mean the difference between a safe resolution and endangering yourself and others, says instructor Alan Veasey, MPH, of the UAB Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR). "First, back away from it, keep others away from it, then dial 911 and give the operator all the information you can." If the substance touches you, wash it off and seek immediate medical attention. But don't move the substance. "If you bring it into the emergency room you are potentially exposing everybody there and forcing emergency responders to go to two separate sites instead of just one."
Jennifer Park, Media Relations, 205-934-3888 or [email protected].
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