Consumer Products

Household products such as pesticides, fertilizers, house paint, driveway sealers, solvents and cleaners can emit nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds . Individually, these products are small sources of VOC and nitrogen oxides, but in total they contribute to the overall smog levels.

The following list of tips will help you to reduce air pollution associated with your use of consumer products. Look for the Environmental Choice Program^M EcoLogo^M label label when shopping to make sure that you are choosing products with the lowest environmental impact. Always consider organic substitutes for your cleaning, gardening, and home renovating needs.

Tips

•Follow label directions when using pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn and garden. Practice methods to prevent pest infestations, apply products only when necessary, and if you need to use a pesticide, use a registered product and carefully follow the label directions.
•Use less-toxic paints, paint removers, stains and varnishes, waxes, glues and adhesives, and cleaners. Limit their use on poor air quality days.
•Try to buy cleaners that have been labelled with the EcoLogo^M under the Environmental Choice Program^M. They are certified to emit less pollution and are better for your health
•If renovating your house, use EcoLogo^M low-polluting paint.
•Close paint cans when not in use and dispose of them at a hazardous waste facility
•If you must use products containing hazardous chemicals follow manufacturer directions and wear rubber gloves, eye goggles and, if appropriate, a respirator while doing so.
•Driveway sealers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere that can contribute to the formation of smog. This can be reduced by using EcoLogo^M-approved sealers, which contain lower levels of VOCs.