|
We often take labels for granted -- instead of taking advantage of
all the information they provide. Labels on
household cleaning product packages contain just about everything we need to know about a product and its safe and
effective use. Use them as a resource for answers to your
questions! Look for some or all of the following:
1.
Product Name
Identifies the product.
Generally the brand name, or the generic name of the product.
2.
Product Type
Identifies what type of product it is.
For example: an all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, disinfectant
cleaner, etc.
3.
Directions for Use
How to use the product for satisfactory results.
For example: How much should be used. What fabrics/dishes/surfaces it
should be used on. What it should not be used on.
4.
Ingredients
What the product is made from.
For disinfectants, the active ingredients must be listed. For other
cleaning products, ingredient listings aren't required, but they often
are included anyway. And, unlike packaged food labeling, the order
does not necessarily represent the relative amounts of each ingredient.
5.
Human Safety
Information
Provides CAUTION/WARNING or DANGER statements, as well as other
precautionary statements and emergency treatment information.
See "Human Safety Labeling" for more information.
6.
Storage and/or
Disposal Information
Provides special guidelines for properly storing and/or discarding a
product, if necessary.
For example, store in a cool dry place. Rinse the package before
recycling and/or disposing in the trash.
7.
EPA Registration
number
Indicates that a disinfectant meets the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) criteria for disinfectants.
Required by law for disinfectants.
8.
Environmental
Information
Provides special environmental information or instructions for the
product and/or its container
Explains if the package is recyclable. If it contains recycled
materials. If some ingredients are biodegradable.
9.
Net Weight or
Volume
Lists the amount of product in the container
This is often helpful in comparing prices for different sized packages or
competitive products. Required by law.
10. Manufacturer's Name
and Address,
and/or a Toll-Free Number
Enables consumers to contact the maker with questions, comments or problems.
Keep a running log for all of the products you use, for immediate access
if needed. This is especially important in a child care center.
|
|
