After participating in the workshop on Hazardous Household Products, learners will be able to:

• Identify five hazardous household products in the home.
• Describe five things they can do to use hazardous products safely.
• Describe three things they can do so that less hazardous products are necessary.
• Describe four ways to store hazardous products safely.
• Describe three ways to safely dispose of hazardous products.

Teaching plan for a 45 minutes workshop or lesson (14 slides & notes).

1. Print this section of the Healthy Homes booklet to use for handout material.
2. Make copies of the Hazardous Household Products Pre-test & Post-test.
   
   At the beginning of the session distribute the Pre-Test. Ask the audience to take the quiz, telling them that it is both voluntary and anonymous. Have them pass the completed tests to the back of the room, where they can be placed on a back table or chair.
3. Additional background materials can be obtained at the Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Home module on Household Products.
   
   Also, consider the module on Hidden Environmental Hazards for the Home Remodeler, which contains information about paint strippers and other hazardous solvents often used in remodeling projects.
   
   A good way to bring this program to life is to take a variety of products that are considered hazardous with you to the meeting.
   Go over the items with the audience and ask if anyone has any “stories” to tell about any of them.
   Include such things as ammonia, bleach, moth balls, mouse or rat poisons, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and drain cleaners.
   
   This program can be combined with information about alternative cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc. The University of Illinois’ 57 Ways to Protect your Home Environment is an excellent resource for this information.
   
   
4. At the end of the program, distribute the Hazardous Household Products Post-Test. Ask the audience to take a few minutes to complete the test and leave it on a back table or chair as they leave the room. Let participants know that completion of the test is voluntary and anonymous, but the information will be used for program improvements and Extension reporting.
   
   
5. Thank everyone for coming, and let them know that if they have questions you will be available to talk with them.
   

Consumer Products Safety Commission

Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes

EPA’s Consumer Labeling Initiative

57 Ways to protect your home Environment
(University of Illinois Publication)