Child Seat Safety

Children at riskMotor vehicle crashes are the single largest cause of child fatalities in the country, responsible for more than 1,800 deaths of youngsters age 14 and under each year, according to the National Safe Kids Campaign. The Washington D.C.-based child safety advocacy group estimates another 280,000-plus children are injured each year while riding in vehicles.

Yet, safety tests show the risk of injury or death for a child can be reduced as much as 70 percent if an unrestrained child is put into a child safety seat.

Problems with child seat useParents may feel that by buying a child seat and putting it in a car that their child is safe, but in reality there's a lot more to it than that.

A federal government study reported 80 percent of child safety seats are not used properly. National Safe Kids, which checked more than 17,000 child safety seats at nationwide checkups, said it found the figure to be closer to 85 percent.

Common child seat mistakesA government study found the biggest problem with child seats was improper use of locking clips. Follow instructions that come with the child seat, as well as those that come with your vehicle, to see if you need to use the clips and that you're using them correctly.

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration) also found that more than half of child seats had harness retainer clips that weren't used correctly. Again, follow instructions that accompany the child seat. In general, harness retainer clips should be placed at the level of your child's armpits, according to National Safe Kids.

More mistakesRanking third in the NHTSA study of problems was use of harness straps. They should not be loose. According to National Safe Kids, you shouldn't be able to fit more than one of your fingers between a harness strap and your child's collarbone.
In addition, the harness straps should not be twisted. And make sure they're routed correctly through the proper slots on the seat.

Another problem cited by NHTSA was use of the vehicle safety belts. The owner's manual for your vehicle details proper seat belt use. Be sure the belt used with the child seat is firmly locked in its connection, routed correctly with the child seat and holds the seat firmly in place. You should not be able to wiggle the child seat from side to side or pull it forward.
Further down in the list of problems, but still accounting for ten percent of the child seat mistakes reported by NHTSA is positioning of a child seat in the wrong direction inside the car. Rear-facing child seats should only be positioned to face rearward; forward-facing seats should only face forward.

In addition, National Safe Kids notes you should be sure to keep a rear-facing child seat reclined at a 45-degree angle, so it cradles the baby's head.
Consequences of improper child seat useSome child seat mistakes clearly are dangerous—for example, positioning a child seat the wrong way inside a car or putting a child seat of any sort in front of an active frontal airbag.

But studies haven't yet pinpointed how dangerous some of the other child seat misuses are, things like not using a locking clip correctly or not having the child seat secured as tightly as it could be with the vehicle safety belt. Because we don't know, as a society, which of these problems will be life-threatening, it's important that we make an effort to learn proper child seat use.

Lots to learnIt's not that parents and caregivers aren't paying attention or don't care. They're dealing with more complicated child seats today. Many child seats have recalls, too, that often can go unnoticed by child seat owners. One source for recall and other child seat information is the Internet; many private organizations as well as government agencies have Web pages to help parents wade through the daunting amount of data in circulation.

Below are a few of the important Internet sites dedicated to promoting child safety in automobiles via child seats. Packed with press releases, recalls, safety news and more, these sites are great places to begin gathering information about providing the children in your charge with the safest ride possible.

Britax Child Safety, Inc.
http://www.childseat.com/
Britax is one of the biggest names in child seats, with nearly 20 percent of the world's child seat sales. The site includes a list of car seat “do's and don'ts,” tips for securing children, what fits your child, and frequently asked questions about child seats.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/T
his site includes links to the new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for child seats, a form for reporting problems with a safety seat, a list of safety training programs, and even a state-by state list of individuals who have attended the programs and may be of help.


National SAFE KIDS Campaign
http://www.safekids.org
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign is the first and only national organization dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury—the number-one killer of children ages 14 and under. The site is the home of the SAFE KIDS BUCKLE UP, a national campaign to increase awareness about child seat safety. This site is updated frequently and includes a calendar of Car Seat Check Up events around the U.S.

National Safety Council
http://www.nsc.org
This site contains a wealth of information on child seats, child safety, and safety in general. In May 1999 the America Buckles Up Children campaign was launched, and June was National Safety Month.

Safe Ride Helpline Online
http://www.carseat.org/
The online site of SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., a nonprofit organization dedicated to child safety. The site includes recalls (including ways to identify your seat, with photos), classes, technical information on seats, frequently asked questions, and links to other sites.

Safe Ride News
http://www.saferidenews.com
With a tagline of “Information for Parents, Safety Advocates, and Health Professionals,” Safe Ride News contains a broad range of information, from selecting child seats to choosing the “perfect” car (safety-wise, that is). There are also technical bulletins, child seat recalls and hospital issues.

The vehicles in which the seats are installed aren't standardized, either. Some have flat seat cushions, for example, that help make a child seat stable while others have contoured bucket seats that make child seat stability more difficult. Where the seat belt connectors are in a vehicle can help or hinder proper child seat positioning.

Safety falls off as children ageEfforts by child safety advocates seem to be working to get the nation's youngest children into child seats. But statistics show that use of proper restraints declines as a child ages. And you'd be surprised to learn how few laws govern auto safety for children once they leave child safety seats—or how much the laws vary from state to state.
According to a NHTSA phone survey of U.S. parents, 96 percent of newborns travel in child seats all the time, but by age 3, the figure is down to 75 percent. By age 5, just 17 percent of children are in child seats all the time, the survey indicated.

Still, child seats—be they for newborns, toddlers or older children—continue to be the most effective way to protect a child in a vehicle crash. And it almost goes without saying that once a youngster is out of child seats, he or she should always wear seat belts and sit in the back seat, where it is much safer. One of the main problems is keeping kids buckled up as they get older.
Be aware of recalls

Register your child seat: Note that manufacturers of child seats provide a registration form with their child seats built as of March 1993. By completing and returning the form, typically soon after purchase, a buyer provides contact information for the manufacturer to use in the event of a recall. Manufacturers also have agreed to maintain names and addresses of child seat purchasers that they had in their files from before March 1993.

Other ways to stay in touchIn case you missed out on those registration opportunities, NHTSA's Web site also provides a child seat safety registration form you can fill out and submit to NHTSA that allows the agency to provide your contact information to the seat manufacturer.
NHTSA maintains a toll-free number for further questions. 1-800-424-9393.
And don't hesitate to inform NHTSA if you have noticed a problem with your child seats. The Web site includes a child seat questionnaire form where you can report defects.

What to Do if Poisoned

Swallowed Poison
Remove anything in the mouth. Call the Poison Center.

Do not try to neutralize a poison by giving raw eggs, salt water, mustard, vinegar or citrus fruit juices as an antidote or to cause vomiting. Never attempt to induce vomiting by sticking your fingers anywhere in the patient's mouth; this procedure can be very dangerous.Syrup of Ipecac --Not recommended by our doctors. Please call the Poison Center for specific information Poison in the Eye Remove all foreign materials from the eyes including contact lenses if worn. Gently flush eye for 10 minutes, timed by the clock, using slightly warm water.

Pour a stream of water from a clean glass held about 3 inches above the eye. Do not use any eye drops until advised to do so by the Poison Center. Call the Poison Center.For adults, getting in the shower works best. Aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water on the forehead above the affected eye. If both eyes are affected, aim the stream at the bridge of the nose. Eyes do not have to be held open. Opening and closing the eyes repeatedly during the irrigation will help carry the water to all the surfaces of the eye.

For young children, using large glass or a pitcher works best. Wrapped in a large towel, lie the child down in the bathtub or with head supported over sink. Pour a gentle stream of water at the bridge of the nose or on the forehead above the affected eye. Do not pour water directly onto the surface of the eyeball. Eyes do not need to be held open unless the child refuses to open them at all.

Poison on the Skin Remove any contaminated clothing. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with large amounts of water. Wash the same area gently with hand soap and warm water to remove all remaining chemicals on the skin. If exposed, remember to wash hair and under fingernails. Call the Poison Center.

Inhaled PoisonGet to fresh air as soon as possible. Avoid breathing fumes. Ventilate that area as soon as possible by opening windows or directing fans toward the door, while protecting yourself from injury. Call the Poison Center. If the person is unconscious, having difficulty breathing or not breathing, call 911.Then call the Poison Center immediately, 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. If the person is unconscious or in immediate distress call 911.

Do NOT Panic!If you have a poisoning situation, do not panic. Panic is a very contagious emotion. If parents are upset, crying and screaming, a child can pick up on that very easily and will also start crying and become upset. When the entire family is upset, it becomes much harder to assess the situation and provide good care.If you are the one with the poison problem, being scared and anxious will produce symptoms that many people mistake for symptoms of poisoning. Being very frightened can cause a dry mouth, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, sometimes diarrhea, headache, dizziness and a feeling of being light-headed.

Most encounters with a toxic substance are not going to cause immediate symptoms. If you are very anxious and have symptoms immediately after an exposure, a majority of the times the symptoms are due to fear. But always call the Poison Center to make sure. Poison Center staff can reassure you if you are scared and can give you directions to help take care of your problem.

Skin Cancer Facts

Most of the more than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for about 59,600 cases of skin cancer in 2005 and most (about 7,800) of the 10,600 deaths due to skin cancer each year.

Melanoma in the United States – 2005 Estimates
New Cases	59,600
Deaths Per Year	7,800
5-Year Localized Survival Rate*	98%
5-Year Overall Survival Rate*	91%

* The 5-year survival rates represent persons who are living 5 years after diagnosis, whether disease-free, in remission, or under treatment. They do not imply that 5-year survivors have been permanently cured of cancer. Localized cancer represents cancer that, at the time of diagnosis, had not spread to additional sites within the body. Typically the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the more successful the treatment, thus enhancing the survival rate.

For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 98%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60% and 14%, respectively. About 83% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the skin? The skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the internal organs and protects them from injury, serves as a barrier between microbes, such as bacteria, and internal organs, and prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids. The skin regulates body temperature and helps rid the body of excess water and salts. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain and allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations.

What is nonmelanoma (basal or squamous cell) skin cancer? Most skin cancers are classified as nonmelanoma, usually occurring in either basal cells or squamous cells. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body.

Most nonmelanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, like the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body.

What is melanoma skin cancer? Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes – the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Melanoma is almost always curable when it is detected in its early stages. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers, and it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.

How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 59,600 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2005.

Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 91%. For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 98%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60% and 16% respectively. About 83% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage.

How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,600 deaths from skin cancer in 2005 – 7,800 from melanoma and 2,800 from other skin cancers.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

• unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• fair complexion
• occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
• family history
• multiple or atypical moles
• severe sunburns as a child

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

• any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
• scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
• the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• a change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
• Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.

What Is the American Cancer Society Doing About Skin Cancer?

• Education: The Society delivers health information to the public, so that individuals can make informed personal decisions. Examples include: Printed materials, media coverage, community-based outreach programs, and free, nationwide services such as http://www.cancer.org/ and 1-800-ACS-2345. The American Cancer Society also began its Sun Safe Community initiative in December 2000 to help prevent skin cancer. This community-based, multi-component effort consists of prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas.

• Advocacy: With the help of grassroots volunteers in communities across the country, the Society advocates with lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to ensure responsible health policies are enacted and to increase funding for research and testing and treatment coverage.

• Service: The Society works to improve quality of life for people living with cancer through a variety of support services and programs helping patients and families cope with the disease.

• The Society also has collaborations with many nationwide organizations to promote skin cancer prevention, education, and sun-safe policies.

Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos is a very dangerous mineral fiber that causes a variety of health problems. Unfortunately, most people come in contact with asbestos at some point in their lives. It is important for your health that you know the facts about asbestos, and that you stay away from it as much as possible.

The Danger of Asbestos
For a long time, asbestos was a commonly used fiber. It is now known that inhaling the fiber can be fatal for anyone. Studies have shown that people who were exposed to asbestos for extended periods of time had an increased risk of lung cancer, and a disease now known as "asbestosis." With asbestosis, the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue and breathing becomes more and more difficult. It is hard to detect hese asbestos-related diseases as the symptoms often don't show up for many years after the first exposure.

Where Asbestos Is
In past decades, asbestos was used in the construction of houses and buildings to add strength and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. If your house was built between 1930 and 1950, it's likely that it has asbestos insulation. Some roofing, shingling, and tiling materials also contain the toxic fiber. Because it provides excellent insulation, you may also want to check around your furnace, hot water pipes, and stove for asbestos materials. Be sure to wear a gas mask while looking for the asbestos, as it could easily enter your lungs. If you do find something that you suspect contains asbestos, do not try to remove it. If you break it, the danger to you is increased tenfold.

When it Gets Dangerous
Asbestos material is most dangerous when it is broken and crumbling. When the asbestos falls apart, the fibers are released into the air, making it easier to inhale them. If you find asbestos in your home, call a professional to assess the situation and remove the material if necessary. Never handle the material yourself. Sawing, scraping, or sanding the asbestos will create a terrible health hazard that no one but a trained professional should face. If you find dust that you believe to be asbestos, never use a broom to sweep it up. This will disperse the particles into the air, making it easier for you to breathe it in. Instead, wear a protective mask and remove the dust with a wet rag.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. The incomplete combustion of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels produce carbon monoxide. Appliances fueled with gas, oil, kerosene, or wood may produce CO. If such appliances are not installed, maintained, and used properly, CO may accumulate to dangerous and even deadly levels in cars, homes, or poorly ventilated areas.

Where Does CO Come From?
Devices that burn fuels produce carbon monoxide. Therefore, any fuel-burning appliance in your home is a potential CO source. Electrical heaters and electric water heaters, toasters, etc., do not produce CO under any circumstances. Under normal circumstances, CO should not be detectable in the typical home or workplace.

When appliances are kept in good working condition, they produce little CO. But improperly operating or improperly vented appliances can produce elevated -- even fatal -- CO concentrations in your home. Likewise, using kerosene heaters or charcoal grills indoors, or running a car in a garage, can cause levels high enough to result in CO poisoning.

Common sources of CO include the following wood or gas fueled appliances:

• Room heaters
• Furnaces
• Charcoal grills
• Cooking ranges
• Water heaters
• Automobiles run in closed garages
• Fireplaces
• Portable generators
• Wood burning stoves

Who is at Risk of CO Poisoning?
Any person or animal in space shared with a device capable of generating CO should be considered at risk of CO poisoning. CO exposures especially affect unborn babies, infants, and people with anemia or a history of heart disease. Breathing low levels of the chemical can cause fatigue and increase chest pain in people with chronic heart disease.

In 1989, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were about 220 deaths from CO poisoning associated with gas-fired appliances, about 30 CO deaths associated with solid-fueled appliances (including charcoal grills), and about 45 CO deaths associated with liquid-fueled heaters.
Each year, nearly 5,000 people in the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms for CO poisoning; however, this number is believed to be an underestimate of CO poisoning because many people with CO symptoms mistake the symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed.

Why is CO the Silent, Cold Weather Killer?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill without warning, as your family sleeps. Because CO gas has no warning properties, even at toxic or life threatening levels, it is considered a silent killer. And since so many deaths occur as the result of defective or poorly operated home heating devices, CO has been termed the "silent, cold weather killer."

Although not always experienced, the initial symptoms of CO are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irregular breathing

It is critical to note that death from CO poisoning can result with some or all of these symptoms never being experienced, in which case the overexposed victim simply "falls asleep" and never regains consciousness.

How can I prevent CO poisoning?
Dangerous levels of CO can be prevented by proper appliance maintenance, installation, and use. Timely inspections of potentially CO-producing equipment, and the use of CO toxic level concentration alarms, are also key to avoiding a CO fatality.

To avoid CO poisoning, follow these tips:

Installation

• Proper installation is critical to the safe operation of combustion appliances. All new appliances have installation instructions that should be followed exactly. Local building codes should be followed as well.
• Appliances designed to be vented should be vented properly, according to manufacturers' instructions.
• Adequate combustion air should be provided to ensure complete combustion.
• Professionals should install all combustion appliances.

Maintenance

• A qualified service technician should perform preventive maintenance on homes with central and room heating appliances (including water heaters and gas dryers) annually. The technician should look at the electrical and mechanical components of appliances, such as thermostat controls and automatic safety devices.
• Chimneys and flues should be kept free of blockages, corrosion, and loose connections.
• Individual appliances should be serviced regularly.
• Kerosene and gas space heaters (vented or unvented) should be cleaned and inspected to ensure proper operation.

Appliance Use

• Follow manufacturers' directions for safe operation.
• Make sure the room where an unvented gas or kerosene space heater is used is well ventilated; doors leading to another room should be open to allow added ventilation.
• Never use an unvented combustion heater overnight or in a room where you are sleeping.
• Never use charcoal grills inside a home, tent, camper, or unventilated garage.
• Don't leave vehicles running in an enclosed garage, even to "warm up" a car on a cold morning.

Inspections
In addition to professional preventive maintenance on a potentially CO-producing appliance, the homeowner should perform timely inspections to identify signs of possible CO problems. Look for the following conditions, and if detected, have a professional service technician fully examine the unit for safety and continued use.

• Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney
• Loose or missing furnace panel
• Sooting on internal or attic spaces
• Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections
• Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace, or appliance
• Loose masonry on chimney

In addition, there are signs that might indicate improper appliance operation which include:

• Decreasing hot water supply
• Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
• Sooting, especially on appliances
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Increased condensation inside windows

Alarms
Next to prevention of the production of toxic CO gas, the best defense against this deadly killer is a CO alarm. These relatively new devices can detect toxic concentration of CO in the air, sound an alarm, and thereby save lives.

How Do CO Alarms Work?
A CO detector sounds an alarm because it detects an elevated level of CO in the household. Different brands of detectors are designed with different options and features. Some are made to sound an alarm at persistent, low levels of CO while others will sound an alarm only at life-threatening levels. Some detectors are more sensitive than others and will detect an alarm sooner than other varieties of alarms. Some CO detectors may produce alarms at a low level even though the level may not be immediately dangerous.
Underwriters' Laboratory (UL) Listed CO detectors manufactured after October 1995, are required to have information on product packaging that clearly states the sensitivity level of the detector. Carefully read the product packaging of the CO detector you purchase, and understand what an alarm signal indicates.

Where Should the Detector Be Installed?
CO gas distributes evenly and fairly quickly throughout the house; therefore, a CO detector should be installed in sleeping portions of the house, but outside individual bedrooms, in order to alert all occupants who are sleeping in that part of the house.

A UL Listed CO detector will sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate. CO indicator cards and other devices are also intended to detect elevated levels of CO, but these devices are not equipped with an audible alarm and cannot wake room occupants at night, when most CO poisonings occur.

Do not place the detector within five feet of household chemicals as they may damage the unit or cause false alarms. Wall or ceiling installations are acceptable locations for mounting CO detectors, but always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a CO detector. If your detector is wired directly into your home's electrical system, you should test it monthly. If your unit operates off of a battery, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year.

Responding to CO Alarms
A CO detector alarm indicates elevated levels of CO in the home. Never ignore the alarm or otherwise silence it unless a qualified individual has examined the affected area and deemed it safe.
If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation. If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, dizziness, or other flu-like symptoms) immediately evacuate the house and call the fire department. If no one is experiencing these symptoms, continue to ventilate, turn off fuel-burning appliances, and call a qualified technician to inspect your heating system and appliances, as soon as possible. Because you have provided ventilation, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds and your problem may appear to be temporarily solved. Do not operate any fuel-burning appliances until you have clearly identified the source of the problem.

Aren't There Lots of Problems with Alarms?
For various reasons, there have been some problems in the past with the use of CO alarms. Some problems were due to the alarms themselves, others to ambient air pollution or improper use of the alarms.
Avoid placing a CO detector directly on top of or directly across from fuel-burning appliances. These appliances will emit some CO when initially turned-on.

Underwriters' Laboratory responded to early concerns about nuisance alarms by revising their standard governing CO detectors (UL 2034). New UL Listed CO detectors available October 1995, were required to meet the revised standard in order to bear the UL mark. These detectors will ignore low levels of CO for a much longer period of time and will be equipped with reset buttons to help confirm life-threatening CO problems.

If you experience nuisance alarms, have a qualified technician come to your home as soon as practically possible and carefully inspect for sources of CO from all fuel-burning appliances, including gas ranges, gas stoves, and fireplaces. As stated previously, never ignore or otherwise silence the alarm.

Who Can I Contact for More Information?
AIHA: For additional information or expert referrals on the topic of carbon monoxide, its toxic effects, and related matters, contact the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) at (703) 849-8888; or on the World Wide Web at http://www.aiha.org/. You may also write to AIHA, 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 250, Fairfax, VA 22031. AIHA represents a professional organization of engineers and scientists knowledgeable of the hazards of indoor air pollutants.

CPSC: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) serves the public with respect to the safety of consumer products that both potentially generate CO as well as detect it. Call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's TTY (for the hearing impaired) at (800) 638-8270. Information is available via Internet gopher services at cpsc.gov, and reports of product hazards may be sent directly to

Winter Car Safety

Driving a car is a big responsibility. Not only do you now have to realize that your actions hold the lives of fellow passengers in your hands, but you have to make sure that your vehicle is in safe running order. Your responsibilities only grow as the winter approaches. Make sure that, before winter hits in your area, you have the following items checked out in your car.

Antifreeze: This is an important one for winter, as it keeps vital fluids in your car liquid, instead of frozen, during cold winter storms. Make sure your antifreeze is fresh, and that it is filled.

Exhaust System: During the winter months, windows are closed, the air is often re-circulated, and snow or ice can shroud a car. If your exhaust system is not working properly, this could result in excess noxious fumes being put into your car's interior. Exhaust fumes are poisonous, and, in large enough quantities, fatal. If you smell gas or exhaust fumes in the interior of your car, have your mechanic check for leaks.

Heater: Checking that your heating system works well is probably the last thing you want to check during the warmer days of summer, but do it. Because it could be the one feature of your car that could save your life in the event you become stranded. If it's not working properly, get it fixed ---and fast.

Hazard Lights: Have a friend stand outside your car and check all your lights --- are your signals blinking in back and front, on the driver's side and passenger's side? What about your backup lights? Brake lights? Often, people forget to include the hazard lights in the mix, but they are especially important to make a disabled car stand out when the weather is dreary.

Oil: During the Fall, it's a great time to have your oil changed --- and it's vital for some vehicles that use different weights of oil for winter vs. summer. Make sure you make an appointment to have your winter oil change.

Brakes: Brakes are important all of the time. Your brakes are one of the parts in your car that stands between you and death, quite literally. Your brakes should never be in bad shape, and should be checked every time you rotate your tires, about every 5000 miles. But add slippery roads to the mix and making sure you have ample brake pads and fluids is more important than ever.

Defroster: The simple fact is not all defrosters are created equal. Your defroster may work well or not. Make sure your defrosting system is in its best possible shape and make allowances for its quirks.

Thermostat: You know that little gauge on your dashboard with the H and C and the little needle that goes between? Well, it's really bad if it hits the H (or the "red zone" right before it), and it's also bad if you can't get your engine warm enough to run well. Part of this is an effect of your antifreeze/coolant, but another component is your thermostat, which helps regulate your engine temperature. Cars have been known to lose engines because their thermostats have gone out. Engines often cost more than the entire car in the case of a teen's first car. Always keep an eye on your temperature gauge, and have your car checked if it's off.

Battery: One of the less expensive parts of a car is a battery, yet it can shut the entire system down if it's dead. Batteries last varying lengths; the more expensive ones last longer. When a battery is installed, the date of installation should be indicated on the top of the label. If it's not, be sure to put it on yourself when you install a new battery. Nothing is worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere during a torrential rain or freezing snowstorm with a dead battery --- that means no heater or lights, either. Find out today when your battery was installed. If it's getting close to the end of its life, think about replacing it.

Tires: Depending upon the area of the country you live in, you may require a completely different set of tires for winter (snow tires or studded tires). Other people prefer to carry snow chains when snow isn't a months-long constant, so they don't have to be changing tires over and over. If it's time for snow tires, most people in an area talk about it, and most people know it. However, if you carry chains, just because they're in your trunk doesn't mean you'll know how to use them. Do a "dry run", putting on chains with someone who knows how, when the weather is nice. That way, when you encounter a snowstorm you'll have some confidence about putting on the chains. Some chains are easier to put on than others. They usually cost more, but can be applied without even rolling the car back and forth over the chains.

Ignition System: Does your car start right up? Or does it take forever to turn over? If it's the latter, find out why before cold mornings add even more stress to your ignition system.

Wiper System: Summer sun beating down on wiper blades often destroys them before the first rain of fall hits the ground. They harden, split, and generally don't clear water off like they should. Wipers, and the cleaning windshield fluid that goes along with them, are easy for anyone to replace. And they're available at many places other than auto supply stores. Put a new set on your next shopping list, and fluid if needed, and put on a fresh pair before the rain comes down. Also, make sure that the jets that deliver your wiper fluid are clear--- sometimes they become clogged with hardened water or dirt.

Winter Storm Bag: Every motorist should have a bag in his or her trunk that contains potentially life-saving gear. Most of this can be obtained from around the house without spending a dime --- such as a blanket for each family member, matches or lighters and towels, and some nonperishable foods, such as granola bars. Canned fruit and nuts are great as long as you keep the hand-cranked can opener with them. Some bottled water, extra socks, and gloves are useful and at hand for most people. Rain gear that fits into a small purse is available in many variety stores very reasonably, so that enough for an entire family can easily go into your supply bag. If you're the type who always brings along appropriate shoes along during a storm, then you won't have to worry about adding some collapsible rubber galoshes to the bag. You'll need a flashlight with extra batteries in case you're on a dark road and need to change a tire or put on chains at night. Some models allow you to use your cigarette lighter to get a tremendous amount of light --- but you can't take it with you if you need to walk somewhere --- so keep the traditional kind on hand as well.

If you're reliant upon medication to live, such as insulin, make sure you have at least three days' supply with you. Many people every winter become stranded overnight in the snow, so hedge your bets by keeping some extra in your winter kit.

A small sack of sand not only helps keep the back of your car heavier and adhered to the road, but can provide traction when spilled on slick surfaces as well. A folding camping shovel doesn't take up much space, but you'll be glad to have it if stuck in mud or snow.

Of course, common sense dictates that everyone should be carrying jumper cables, all year long. It may sound like a lot of extra work, and cost some extra money, but longtime drivers know how many details go into safe motoring.

Buying a Family Friendly Vehicle

by Allana Pinkerton, CPS Instructor/Caring for Kids in Cars, Inc., and Mike James/Sr. CPS Instructor

Shopping for a new car can be a fun and exciting time for parents and children. However, when it comes to safety, it can be confusing. There is so much conflicting information available and often the features of the vehicle catch the shopper’s eye and they forget about the safety of their children. One of the questions asked most often is “What is the safest vehicle for my family, a car, a van or a SUV?” Here are some tips to help you pick out the right vehicle for your family.

First, of course, is your budget. There are plenty of economical vehicles and expensive vehicles that meet the stringent government crash standards. But what about the child passengers you have in your vehicle? How many of them ride in traditional car seats and booster seats, and where will your car pool kids sit? You’ll need a vehicle with enough seating spaces for everyone to have a seat belt and booster seats need a lap/shoulder belt (the adult seatbelt system). When you shop for a vehicle bring your children and their carseats. Install the carseats in the new vehicle before you buy it. If the carseats don’t install easily or they don’t fit well at all, then you need to consider another vehicle. Remember that your child MUST be buckled correctly on every trip, if not, then your child may be injured during a vehicle accident.

Now that we know we can safely put all the passengers in the vehicle, look at storage space. Is there enough to hold everything you usually have in the car, plus more!! Can you safely carry everything? During a vehicle accident all loose objects can become flying objects. Toys and Game Boy’s easily become flying objects during a crash. If you are buying a SUV or station wagon, be sure the storage area has a cage or netting available to keep items from flying around the vehicle during the accident.

Consider the safety of all passengers first when buying that new vehicle. After everyone gets buckled in safely, you can then look at options like a DVD player, Satellite radio and sport trim.

Pest Control

Nobody likes the idea of pests or bugs flying or crawling around their home. The following pest prevention tips should help stop these little critters before they become a big problem. Check for gaps in your manufactured home skirting, and rips or holes in belly board. Seal and caulk windows and doors. Repair holes in screens.

Do not install bird feeders right next to the home. Check roof vents, siding, eaves, gutters and air conditioner for openings. Treat any wood in contact with the earth with an insecticide. Keep garbage in covered containers. Keep food sealed or refrigerated. Check your pets for fleas and ticks.

Even manufactured homes with metal siding and metal roofs can be damaged by termites, carpenter ants and other insects. Periodically inspect your home and spray seams, corners and interior wood with insecticide. Be alert for their telltale signs: piles of wings (which termites lose in the spring), tunnels in wood, tunnels of dirt in foundation walls, piles of sawdust under wood furniture or siding, and the bugs themselves.

To get rid of these pests try any or all of the following methods. Spray the interior wood with an insecticide. Use a household insecticide throughout your home. (Be careful, though. Insecticide and open pilot lights on water heaters and stoves can cause an explosion. Make sure to read and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.) Call your local exterminator. Keep these pests out of your home by filling cracks on exterior lumber with caulking or asphalt roofing cement, and by replacing damaged lumber with treated wood.

Another area of preventive pest control concerns wild animals. Don't let animals live in your belly board. They will destroy the insulation and damage the base of your house. Contact your local animal shelter or county/state department of natural resources for advice. Animal shelters often will lend or rent live traps. Do not use poison outside because you could inadvertently kill pets. After the creature is gone, repair the tear and install tight-fitting skirting.

If you want to find out more information about pests and how to control them, here are some sites you may find useful:

doyourownpestcontrol.com
orkin.com
terminix.com
Pest Control Equipment

Playground safety

Playground equipment is the leading cause of injuries to children. Nearly 50,000 home playground accidents occur in the United States every year. Kids of all ages can be hurt if play equipment is unsafe — but children under age five are especially at risk for serious injury.

Playing it safe doesn't mean your kids can't enjoy backyard play equipment, it just means you need to take precautions to protect them. Keep your backyard playground safe by following these tips:

Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface around home play equipment, since most injuries occur when a child falls from the equipment onto the ground. Use at least 9 inches of wood chips, mulch, shredded rubber, "pea" gravel, sand or surfacing mats made of safety-tested rubber-like materials.

Place protective surfacing at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, extend the surfacing so it's twice the height of the suspending bar both in front and back.

Firmly anchor swing sets to avoid tipping. Look for equipment that comes with its own anchoring device and includes detailed assembly instructions.

Never attach, or allow children to attach, ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to play equipment. Children can strangle when these loose ends dangle from swings, slides or play towers. Loose strings on clothing can also cause accidental strangulation if caught on play equipment.

Check for dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends.
Look for spaces that could trap your child, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs. These spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.

Make sure elevated platforms and ramps have guardrails to help prevent falls.
Select a swing set with soft material seats. Swing seats made of wood or metal cause more severe injuries upon impact than soft seats.

Look for anything that might cause your child to trip. Remove tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footing, tree stumps and rocks from the play area.

Check play equipment and surfacing regularly to make sure both are in good condition. Smooth out sharp points, edges or rough wood as soon as you spot them.

Double check chains, loose supports, anchors, footing, protective caps, nuts and bolts before your child begins to play on the equipment for the first time.

Never use wood preservatives that contain creosote or other known chemical carcinogens on wooden play equipment.

Carefully supervise children on play equipment, even in your own backyard. Teach your kids some basic playground rules. For example, warn them not to climb on the very top of the play set, not to climb with a stick in their mouth, and not to wear a poncho or jacket with hood and strings attached when playing on the structure.

Preparing for Winter Storms and Blizzards

Blizzards are the most dangerous of
winter storms. They produce high winds and heavy snow throughout
much of the United States from December to March.

They are most common in the northern
Great Plains states -- South Dakota is sometimes called "the
Blizzard State" -- but they also occur as far south as
Texas and as far east as Maine.

Many blizzard-related deaths involve
people who die of hypothermia in their cars, on the street
or in wilderness areas. Sadly, most of these deaths could
have been avoided with proper preparation. Blizzards also
cause countless cases of frostbite, as well as damage to unsupported
structures and homes.

> Winter
Storm Watches and Warnings

> Plan Ahead
for Winter Storms

> How to Dress
for Winter Weather

> If You're Away
From Home When the Storm Hits

> After the Blizzard
has Passed

Winter
Storm Watches and Warnings

If you live in a snow-prone area, pay close attention to weather
forecasts and listen for watches and warnings like these:

WINTER STORM WATCH: Severe winter
conditions, such as heavy snow or ice, are possible within
the next day or two. Prepare now!

WINTER STORM WARNING: Severe
winter conditions have begun or are about to begin in your
area. Seek shelter!

BLIZZARD WARNING : Snow and strong
winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility),
deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge
immediately!

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY: Winter
weather conditions are expected and may be hazardous, especially
for motorists.

FROST/FREEZE WARNING : Below
freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant
damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed
to freezing temperatures, people who have homes without heat
need to take added precautions.

You can check the current
weather forecast for your area right on this site.

Plan
Ahead for Winter Storms

Play it safe by preparing ahead for
winter storms and blizzards. Be sure to winterize your manufactured
home by following all the tips in our winterizing
section.

Remember, these storms can cause loss
of electricity, heat, and telephone service and can trap you
in your home for a few days. It's important to have ample
supplies on hand in your home:

• Flashlight and extra batteries.


• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio
  and portable radio to receive emergency information. These
  may be your only links to the outside.


• Extra food and bottled water. High
  energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and canned food
  requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.


• Manual can opener.


• Extra medicine and baby items.


• First-aid supplies.


• Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not
  reach you for days after a severe winter storm.


• Back-up heating source, such as a
  fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.


• Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.


• Brush up on your fire safety knowledge
  by visiting our fire
  safety section.

Be sure to carry a survival kit in your
car that contains:

• Cell phone


• Blankets/sleeping bags


• Flashlight with extra batteries


• Knife


• High calorie, non-perishable food
  


• A can and waterproof matches to melt
  snow for drinking water


• Sand or cat litter


• Shovel


• Windshield scraper


• Tool kit


• Tow rope


• Jumper cables


• Water container


• Compass


• Road maps


• Extra winter clothes and boots

Also, keep your vehicle's gas tank
full in case you get stranded and to keep the fuel line from
freezing.

How to Dress
for Winter Weather:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting,
  lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy
  clothing.


• Remove a layer or two if necessary
  to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.


• Make sure outer garments are tightly
  woven and water-repellent.


• Wear mittens -- they are warmer than
  gloves.


• Wear a hat.


• Cover your mouth with a scarf to
  protect your lungs from extremely cold air.


• Wear sturdy, waterproof boots in
  snow or flooding conditions.

If You're
Away From Home When the Storm Hits:

If you're outside:

• Find a shelter out of the wind. Try
  to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of your body.


• If you can't find shelter, prepare
  a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the
  wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place
  rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.


• Don't eat snow - it will lower your
  body temperature. Melt the snow first.

If you're in a car or truck:

• Pull off the road and turn on your
  hazard lights.


• Stay inside your vehicle. It's easy
  to become disoriented in the wind and snow. Do not set out
  on foot unless you see a building close by where you know
  you can take shelter.


• Run the motor about ten minutes each
  hour for heat.


• Open the window a crack to avoid
  carbon monoxide poisoning.


• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not
  blocked by snow.


• Exercise frequently to keep blood
  circulating and to keep warm, but don't overexert.


• Huddle with other passengers and
  use your coat as a blanket.


• In extreme cold, use road maps, seat
  covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing for covering--anything
  to provide additional insulation and warmth.

Make yourself visible to rescuers:

• Turn on your dome light at night,
  but only when running the engine. You don't want to wear
  down your battery.


• Tie a distress flag (preferably red)
  to your antenna or window.


• Raise the hood to indicate trouble
  after snow stops falling.

Once the blizzard is over, you may need
to leave your vehicle and proceed on foot. Follow the road
if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use
distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of
direction.

If you're in your home or a building:

• Stay inside.


• If you must travel, do so during
  daylight. Don't travel alone. Stay on main roads, and tell
  others about your route and schedule.


• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping
  your house cooler than normal. Temporarily shut off heat
  to less-used rooms.


• When using alternative heat from
  a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, use fire safeguards
  and properly ventilate.


• If using kerosene heaters, maintain
  ventilation to avoid buildup of toxic fumes. Keep heaters
  at least three feet from flammable objects. Refuel kerosene
  heaters outside.

If there's no heat:

• Close off unneeded rooms.


• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under
  doors.


• Cover windows at night.


• Stay nourished:
  
  
  
  • Eat food to provide your body
    with energy so it can produce its own heat.
  
  
  • Keep your body replenished with
    fluids to prevent dehydration.
  
  
  
  

After the
Blizzard has Passed:

• Look for any damage that may have
  occurred to your home and make sure water pipes are functioning.
  Check out the freezing
  pipes information on this site for help. If there are
  no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be plowed
  before you drive anywhere.


• Check on neighbors to see if they
  need help.


• Pace yourself and rest frequently
  when shoveling snow -- don't overexert. Shoveling causes
  many heart attacks, especially in very cold temperatures.
  

With a little planning and know-how,
you can make this winter a safe and warm one for you and your
family.

Meat and Poultry Recalls

Food recalls are voluntary actions by manufacturers and distributors. Most recalls are started because that manufacturer or distributor believes that a product could be a health threat to consumers. The number of meat and poultry recalls has greatly increased in recent years due to tightening of national food regulations.

The new regulations went into effect in the late '90s in hopes of encouraging food production plants of all sizes to closely examine their operations, identify where risks to food could occur, and implement safety precautions to prevent potential food contamination. The new regulations require plants to keep detailed records of production and distribution in hopes of recovering a higher number of products.

The recent increase in recalls could be because recalls can be made more often and more quickly, not necessarily because plants are preventing hazards before they occur. The more frequent and larger number of recalls may also be due to better testing methods developed in recent years, though the percentage of recalls that pose a serious threat has not gone down since the regulations took effect.

Though the new regulations have succeeded in increasing the number of recalls made each year, only half of recalled meat products are usually recovered from consumers, possibly because the regulations provide for little follow-up between manufacturer and consumer. Plants are required to notify retail outlets of a recall, and if the product is already being sold, many consumers don’t get the message until it is too late. Timing and follow-up are they keys to recalling meat before it reaches consumers.

Where your meat comes from can play a factor in its chances of being recalled as well as its chances of being pulled from shelves before you have the opportunity to purchase it. Larger plants recall numbers have remained steady over several years, but smaller plants have a rising number of recalls. On the other hand, the smaller plants have an easier time recovering recalled products, most likely because they have a smaller distribution system.

If you would like to be more informed of meat and poultry recalls as they happen, you can take an active part in ensuring the safety of meat and poultry products you purchase. Subscribing to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Constituent Update will allow you to receive press releases and other materials from the FSIS, which are also posted on the Open Federal Cases area of the FSIS site. You can also call the Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.

Eliminate Top Safety Threats to Prevent Electrical Injuries

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) wants to remind consumers that taking steps to eliminate the top electrical safety threats in and around the home may prevent numerous injuries and deaths that needlessly occur each year.

According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), top electrical safety hazards include: electrical fires caused by aging wiring and misuse of surge suppressors, and electrocutions from wiring systems and large appliances.

CPSC research indicates that each year we can expect more than 40,000 electrical fires, which result in hundreds of injuries and deaths. Electrocutions associated with wiring and consumer products cost hundreds of lives annually.

“Despite the fact that many of these electrical hazards can be eliminated, we often fail to take steps necessary to protect ourselves from harm,” Michael G. Clendenin, executive director of ESFI noted. The following electrical safety tips may help avoid tragic and costly injuries:

• Make certain that all appliances and equipment are approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or ETL-SEMKO (ETL).
• Use appliances and equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replace damaged electrical equipment or have it repaired at an authorized repair center. Replace frayed cords, broken plugs or cracks that could cause hazards; cut and throw out damaged cords.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection when working where water is near electricity, in areas such your kitchen, laundry room, bathroom or outdoors, to protect against electric shock.
• When using a generator, plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is free of cuts and tears and has a 3-prong plug. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a dangerous practice known as backfeeding. If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch in accordance with local electrical codes.
• Be alert for hazards of old wiring. Flickering or dimming lights can be signs of electrical wiring problems. Have wiring in homes 40 years old or more, or those over 10 years old that have had major renovations, inspected by a licensed electrical inspector.
• Add protection by installing a new electrical safety device—an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)—to detect and stop electrical arcs that can cause fires. Arcs are not detected by most breakers and fuses.
• Make sure power strips and surge suppressors are designed to handle the loads for their intended use. Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many items into the same outlet.
• For more electrical safety information, visit www.electrical-safety.org, or call 703-841-3329. Look for ESFI’s Indoor Electrical Safety Check in the ESFI website library.

Founded in 1994 through a joint effort between Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is North America’s only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school and workplace. ESFI is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by electrical manufacturers and distributors, independent testing laboratories, utilities, safety and consumer groups, and trade and labor associations. ESFI sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns and proactive media relations to help reduce property damage, personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. The Foundation does not engage in code or standard writing or lobbying and does not solicit individuals.

-- Michael Clendenin

Hazardous Chemicals in the Home

Thousands of new chemicals that didn't exist hundreds of years ago are now commonly used in today's household products. Other chemicals that have long existed are being used in ways as never before. With all the daily contact that we have with chemicals, many people are concerned and have questions about how these chemicals may affect them.

Q: What kinds of chemicals am I exposed to?

A: While there are many products which are made from a single chemical, most products are mixtures. The amount of active ingredient(s) may be small with the rest being fillers, preservatives, coloring or perfumes.

Typical formulations commonly found in homes are:

• Cleaners -- Detergent and Solvent Based
• Bleaches -- Chlorine and oxygen based
• Fertilizers
• Pesticides
• Deodorizers -- Sprays, Electrical Plug-ins and Evaporative wick type
• Paints, coatings and sealers

Q: How do chemicals in the home make you sick?

A: For a chemical to affect you first it must be able to get on or in your body. Chemicals can enter the body through the lungs, the stomach, and even the skin.

Once the chemicals are on or in your body, different chemicals have different effects; they can irritate, intoxicate, or otherwise affect specific tissues and organs. What the specific effect for a product will be depends on the nature of the chemicals themselves, how they are combined, how much is encountered and even the sensitivity of the person.

It is important that you understand the hazards of the products you use.

Q: How do I know how dangerous my products are?

A: Read the label! While the print may be small, there should be a lot of information there for you.

Get the MSDS! A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be available from the seller or manufacturer of the product. A good MSDS provides a great deal of information about the safe handling and disposal of your product. If there isn't enough information or you don’t understand it, get help.

Call the manufacturer! The label and/or MSDS should have a contact number for further information.

Q: What about natural or environmentally safe products?

A: "Environmentally safe" may not mean safe to you. Environmentally safe should mean that when disposed of, a product will break down quickly or become much less harmful in the environment. When concentrated or fresh the product may still cause harm when directly breathed, eaten or spilled on skin or eyes.

Q: Is my chemical exposure too high?

A: Many, but not all chemicals have legal or recommended air concentration limits. To know for sure if your exposure exceeds legal or professionally recommended limits requires testing and evaluation of the results by an appropriate professional such as an industrial hygienist. In the meantime, take precautions.

Q: How can I limit the risks of using household chemicals?

A: Six things:

1. Use your products properly
   
   • Follow the directions on the label and the MSDS.
   • Be sure the product is actually intended for what you want to do.
   • Don’t use excessive amounts.
   • Give your product time to work before applying more.
   • Don't mix products.
   • Some products that are relatively safe separately can react and create problems.
   • A common example is what happens when bleach and ammonia are mixed.
2. Control your exposure
   If possible, go outside while the product is working. Keep children, pets, and visitors away from the work area or enclosure if possible.
3. Ventilate
   If you must remain in an area during the product use, be sure that there is plenty of fresh air to dilute any vapors or fumes resulting from the product use. When in doubt open the windows and doors.
4. Substitute your product for a safer or easier to use product
   If a product seems like it might be too harmful, look for another product that can do the same job but has different ingredients. Detergent cleaners might be able replace of solvent cleaners. Citrus oils work very well to remove grease.
5. Eliminate unneeded products
   Try to use only those products you actually need. This way you have fewer opportunities for reactions, leftovers, and surprises.
6. Use the safety equipment recommended on the label and/or MSDS.
   Many labels and MSDS’s recommend the use of gloves, respirators, goggles, or other protective equipment. Use them! Be sure however that you chose the right safety equipment. The use of the wrong equipment may not protect you and in may only provide a false sense of security.

Conclusion
It is understandable how people can be confused and concerned about the many products and mixtures that they are using in their homes, but with reasonable precautions, consumers should be able to use these products safely.

Dr. Levine is a Certified Industrial Hygienist with an independent consulting practice operating nationwide for twenty years with current emphasis in the Southern California and South Florida areas. Dr Levine can be contacted by e-mail at msl01@pacbell.net. More information is available at http://www.environmental-healthsafety.com

Protect Your House

Regardless of whether you've owned a home for tens of years or are renting your first property, your home or apartment means the same thing to you: it's your stronghold, your place of refuge. The place where you store the things that mean a lot to you. Stop to think how easily a disaster can strike and, in the blink of an eye, take all those meaningful things away from you. Learn how to insure your belongings. You'll wonder how you ever lived without the peace of mind.
Even with adequate time to prepare for a disaster, you still may suffer significant,
unavoidable damage to your property. That’s when insurance for renters or
homeowners can be a big help. Yet, many people affected by recent disasters have
been underinsured- or worse- not insured at all. Make sure the insurance you buy
protects against the perils you face.

If You Own a Home...

1 Buy, at minimum, full replacement or replacement cost coverage. This
means the structure can be replaced up to the limits specified in the
policy.

2 Investigate buying a guaranteed replacement cost policy. When and
where available, these policies can pay to rebuild your house, including
improvements, at today’s prices, regardless of the limits of the policy.

3 Have your home periodically reappraised to be sure the policy reflects
the real replacement cost.

4 Update the policy to include any home improvements, such as
basement refinishing. Annual automatic increases may not be enough
to cover these.

5 Buy a policy that covers the replacement cost of your possessions.
Standard coverage only pays for the actual cash value (replacement
cost discounted for age or use).

6 Be very clear about what the policy will and will not cover, and how the
deductibles work (the part you pay before the policy pays).

7 Check state-operated or federally operated insurance pools if you find
it difficult to obtain private coverage because of a recent disaster.
Premiums often run higher than market rates, but this is better than no
coverage.

8 Conduct a home inventory, make a list, and use it to check that your
policy’s coverage matches the value of your possessions.

2608 West Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1944
Phone 804-342-1808
Fax 775-458-9931
www.krmgroup.com
KRM Consulting Group KRM Consulting Group

If You Rent...

1 Buy renter’s insurance, which pays for damaged, destroyed, or stolen
personal property. Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover damage to or
loss of your possessions. Also, consider special coverage like flood
insurance for your belongings.

2 Be clear about what a policy will cover. Some policies cover more than
others. For example, will the policy pay for living expenses if you have to
live somewhere else temporarily, or for damage from sewer backup?

3 Comparison shop for the best coverage at the best price. Policies vary
from company to company. Policies in most areas are very affordable.
Start with the company that insures your car. Discounts are often
available if you carry more than one policy with a company. You may
also want to consider special coverage as insurance for renters and
homeowners won’t cover certain types of losses. Ask your insurance
agent or financial planner about special or additional coverage for
floods, earthquakes, home offices, and other potential problems.