While the United States has a body of law governing the safe handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials, accidents can and do occur throughout the country on a regular basis.

WHAT ARE "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS"?

By law, a hazardous material is "any product that corrodes other materials, explodes or is easily ignited, reacts strongly with water, is unstable when exposed to heat or shock, or is otherwise toxic to humans, animals, or the environment." Hazardous materials can include explosives, flammable gases and liquids, poisons and poisonous gases, corrosives and caustics, nonflammable gases, oxidizers, water-reactive materials, and radioactive materials.

WHAT TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ARE FOUND IN A "TYPICAL" HOME?

CLEANING PRODUCTS

Bleach (liquid, powdered cleanser, etc.) - reactive and can form toxic vapors when mixed with other cleaners - especially ammonia or any acid, including vinegar. Irritant to eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive.

Ammonia (liquid, glass cleaner, etc. ) - reacts with acids (such as vinegar) to form a flammable vapor. Skin, eyes, nose, and throat irritant. Corrosive if swallowed.

Oven cleaner - skin irritant, inhalation hazard, caustic substance.

Laundry detergent - harmful if swallowed. Mild to severe irritant to skin and eyes.

Aerosols - container may explode if heated. Contents may be highly flammable, irritants corrosives, toxins, or poisons.

AIDS

Hair spray (pump or aerosol) - most contain alcohol, which is flammable. Aerosol types have inherent propellant flammability.

Nail polish and removers - flammable.

Perfume, cologne - flammable.

Deodorant (aerosol) - flammable.

GARAGE OR GARDEN SHED PRODUCTS

Paints, varnish, paint thinner - flammable.

Gasoline - flammable and irritant.

Diesel -combustible and suspected carcinogen

Pesticides, herbicides -poison

Fertilizer - poison, caustic, oxidizer. Explosive when mixed with hydrocarbons (such as diesel).

Lighter fluid - flammable

OTHER MATERIALS

Propane tanks -flammable gas. Exposure to heat may cause venting or vapor ignition.

Oily rags -spontaneously combustible when stored in other than airtight containers.

WHAT IS THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS THREAT IN MY COMMUNITY?

A wide variety of hazardous materials are transported through, stored, or used in the City of Dearborn Heights, from flammable gases to highly toxic materials. Most hazardous materials are transported into and out of the City of Dearborn Heights by truck. Other transportation methods include pipeline and rail. Common hazardous materials sites include high tech facilities, commercial gas stations, propane distributors, fertilizer plants, feed and garden stores, and public swimming pools. Once hazardous materials are on site at industrial storage and manufacturing facilities, strict Fire and Building Codes mandate double - and triple-redundancy safety systems to reduce the impact of human error or mechanical failures.

WHAT CAN I DO TO DECREASE MY EXPOSURE

While there is no way to predict hazardous materials accidents, certain areas are at some degree of risk, including those located near interstate highways, manufacturing, storage, or disposal facilities, and nuclear power plants. Prevention of accidents, rather than prediction, is central to avoiding potential damage, loss, or contamination from hazardous materials.

All producers of hazardous material substances are required to describe the hazards on the product label. Always read the labels carefully and follow directions completely when purchasing, using, or storing these products. Whenever possible, store substances in original containers. Bulk items, such as gasoline for your power mower, should be stored only in approved containers.

Around the house, remember the acronym LIES.

• Limit - limit the amount of hazardous materials stored to the absolute minimum.
• Isolate - store hazardous materials in a separate, locked cabinet whenever possible.
• Eliminate -get rid of hazardous materials as soon as they are no longer needed Call Metro Recycling Information (234-3000) for hazardous waste collection dates in your area.
• Separate -do not store potential reactants together -for example, oxidizers with flammables, or bleach with ammonia.

During a hazardous materials incident in your neighborhood, sheltering in-place is most often your safest option. Close windows, shut vents and damper, turn off fans and other ventilation systems, and shove a wet towel under exterior doors to minimize contamination from outside air.

If you witness a hazardous materials transportation accident, spill, or leakage.

• Distance yourself from the site to minimize risk of contamination - stay uphill, upwind, or upstream. Try to go at least one-half mile (about 10 city blocks) from the danger area.
• Call 9-1-1. Your local fire department will isolate the area, investigate the situation, and may call in the regional hazardous materials response team, if needed.
• If you are in a car, close windows and vents and shut off heat or air conditioning.
• Evacuate if told to do so If local officials say there is time, close windows, shut vents and damper, and turn off fans and other ventilation systems to minimize contamination.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO?

In the event of a hazardous materials release in your community:

• Tune to your local radio or television stations for further information.
• If you’re in the affected area, follow all instructions from public officials.