Health Tip: Harmful Chemicals in Your Home

(HealthDay News) -- Common household products for cleaning, cooking and doing other chores can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these safety tips for household products:

• Check all products for warnings before use, and always follow instructions on the label.

• When you are finished using a product, throw it away. Toss any old products that you don't need any more.

• Make sure all potentially dangerous products are stored where children cannot reach them, and in an area with good ventilation.

• Be especially careful with dangerous products such as paint strippers, or any other products that contain methylene chloride.

• Be careful with chemicals around animals.

• Pay attention to clothes that have been drycleaned. If you notice a strong chemical smell, take it back and ask that it be cleaned or dried again.