How to Read A Consumer Chemical Product Label

Facility Manager's Information Center

These hazardous products -- cleaning agents, detergents, Polishes, stripping compounds, Pesticides and many others -- are required by law to meet specific label requirements. These requirements provide you with the information you need to protect yourself, others, pets and the environment. For maximum protection, this label should be consulted before buying, using, storing or disposing of any hazardous products.

What Is A Hazardous Household Product?

A "hazardous substance" is defined in federal government regulations as one which may cause personal injury or illness during any customary or reasonable foreseeable handling or use. Any household product containing a "hazardous substance" is what you should regard as a hazardous household product.

How Can I Tell If The Products I Buy or Use Are Hazardous?

READ THE LABEL!!!! Everything that is on the label of a hazardous product is there for a reason. Products containing "hazardous substances" are required by federal laws to bear a label of specific size and containing certain information depending on the toxicity of the product or hazard presented by the product. The following two sets of guidelines will help you to understand product labels so that you can avoid any hazards associated with Products in either of the two categories of hazardous household products.

How to Read a Household Chemical Product Label

The hazards posed by household chemical products other than Pesticides include hazards other than toxicity alone. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act establishes that a hazardous substance is one which is toxic, corrosive, irritant, flammable or radioactive. All of these properties of the household chemical product determine how the product is labeled.

The labels of household products containing hazardous substances must bear at least the following information: Signal Word - The signal word "DANGER" on substances which are extremely flammable, corrosive or highly toxic. On those substances which are highly toxic, the additional word "POISON" must be included. The signal word "WARNING" or "CAUTION" on all other hazardous substances.

Common and/or Chemical Name

A list of the common names of the hazardous ingredients; if a hazardous substance has no common name, the chemical name will be listed. Both names may appear on the label, as in this case. "Sodium Hypochlorite" is the chemical name. "Bleach" is the common name.

Name and Address of Manufacturer,Distributor, Packer or Seller

Description of Hazard
A description of the principal hazards involved in using the product must be included on the label. In this case, the product is an IRRITANT" to the skin, eyes and to the gastrointestinal system, if swallowed. Other words that may be used to describe the principal hazard in using other products may include "Vapor Harmful", "Flammable", "Corrosive", "Absorbed Through the Skin" and such.

Precautions
The label must have a statement of what to do to avoid the hazard.

Instructions for Safe Handling and Storage

First Aid Instructions, are included when necessary or appropriate.

Other: The Statement, "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN." is included when appropriate.

This information comes from Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-1780, How to Read a Chemical Product Label.

This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.