Household Chemicals

Household Chemicals

Many Canadians use household chemical products such as: cleaning liquids and powders, polishes, drain cleaners, paint and paint thinners, and windshield washer fluid. These products may present health risks when users are unintentionally exposed to the contents. Most exposures occur to young children who do not understand the hazards.

Health Canada has in place regulations, consumer information sheets and education materials that provide advice to help you reduce the potential for unintentional exposures to household chemicals.

Read more about household chemicals below:

• For consumers: Do You Know What These Symbols Mean?
• Aim for Safety - Target the Label
• Stay Safe - An Education Program About Hazard Symbols
• Quick Reference Guide to the Hazardous Products Act for Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers [temporarily unavailable]
• Lead/Acid Batteries
• Stop...Look...and...Stay Safe
• Consumer Chemicals and Container Regulations, 2001
• Chemical Test Methods
• Surface Coating Material Regulations
• Lead in Your House booklet (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Paint & Paint Thinners:

• It's Your Health - The Safe Use of Paint Strippers
• It's Your Health - Lead-based Paint