Lisa Barton

- Poison: highly toxic.

- Danger: extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic.

- Warning: moderately toxic or product has lesser hazards.

- Caution: slightly toxic or product has lesser hazards.

Also, look on labels for information on health effects and safety precautions. Always try to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Reading labels will help identify the least toxic product for the job at hand. Once identified, you need to decide on the safest way to handle those products. Unusable or unwanted portions of hazardous products become household hazardous waste. Generally, it's best to avoid creating hazardous waste in the first place. Buy safer alternatives, buy only what you need so you won't have leftovers, use up or share leftovers with others or recycle them.

Here are some general tips if you do have to store household hazardous chemicals, or waste that will be disposed of during designated community hazardous waste collection programs:

• Store products in original containers with labels marked with product contents.

• Lids should be kept tightly closed.

• Write the date or purchase on products to keep track of their age.

• Always store your hazardous products far away from children and pets.

• Never dump any kind of household hazardous waste down storm drains, ditches or waterways.

• Store products in containers intended for that purpose (for example, do not store gasoline in a container previously used for kerosene).

• Store all products in cool, dry areas with adequate ventilation.

• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling household chemicals.

• Wear the right kind of gloves for effective protection against household chemicals. Solvents, acids and bases may be absorbed through or deteriorate regular latex gloves.

Don't forget, the improper handling and storage of hazardous chemicals can be a disaster waiting to happen. Both Duval County and St. Johns County offer hazardous waste disposal days, which is a good way to safely dispose of the toxic materials you no longer need.