CHEMICALS IN THE GARAGE

Garages often become storage places for all the things we don't feel comfortable keeping inside the house, especially toxic materials. Of course, if we don't want them inside our homes, it's a good bet we don't want it in the environment either.

Unfortunately, the chemicals we store in our garages can end up in storm sewers, which take them directly to local rivers and lakes. And these chemicals - such as mineral spirits, oils and paints - can be very harmful to our health and environment. Many of them are volatile and can evaporate into the air, contributing to poor air quality.

Time for a good cleaning?

Why not give the garage a good cleaning? Face it, we all have a shelf of cans and bottles that's been sitting there for years. It's probably time to dispose of them safely as the first step in making your garage a less toxic environment.

Attached garages

A special note about attached garages: Make sure everything is sealed up tight. You don't want exhaust fumes or stored chemicals ending up in the environment or in your house.

Auto concerns

Not surprisingly, most of the materials of concern that get stored in our garages relate to our vehicles.

Oil and filter

Used oil contains heavy metals and other harmful substances. So your best option is recycling it. Here are some other ideas:

• Take used oil to local oil distributors, auto repair shops or commercial recycling services - these operations can make use of the oil and help save a non-renewable resource.


• Store oil properly - put it in a clean, sealed container (steel drum and plastic jug are good choices). Mark the container clearly as 'used oil.' Keep it away from children.


• DO "hot-drain" oil filters and take them to hazardous waste collection facilities, service stations, lube shops or auto parts retailers. (To hot-drain a filter, puncture the dome end and drain it for 12 hours. The air temperature should be 60 degrees or higher. Then place it in a sealable bag, coffee can with lid, or other leakproof container.)


• Never burn used oil! Motor oil is very different than fuel oil and contains substances that are very harmful to the environment.

Antifreeze

Be especially careful about antifreeze - it has a sweet taste that can attract animals and small children.

Ethylene glycol antifreezes are poisonous and can cause severe kidney damage. Propylene glycol is much less toxic but still hazardous to your health.

Here are some pointers:

• Don't pour antifreeze on the ground, in the trash or down drains or toilets.


• Take extra antifreeze - in a sturdy, clearly-marked container - to a household hazardous waste facility.


• Check with local service stations or repair shops to see if they accept old antifreeze.

Paint

When it comes to materials stored in your garage, paint's a biggie. All of us at one time or another have to store some extra paint and try to figure out what to do with leftover paint.

The problem is that paint and associated products and wastes - like solvents, rags, containers, paint chips and dust - can be hazardous to our health and environment if they are not handled properly.

Paint fumes can cause headaches and nausea, as well as irritation to the eyes, lungs and skin. More serious effects could include respiratory ailments, muscle weakness and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Here are some useful tips:

• Don't throw out paint; it should not be sent to landfill.


• Don't use paints or stains when there's a smog advisory. The harmful chemicals in them can evaporate into the air and make the problem even worse.


• Don't dump paints in storm sewers, household drains or on the ground.


• Buy only the amount of paint you need.


• You can often find someone else who can use paint you're left with at the end of the job - think friends, relatives, churches, recreation departments, community service organizations or theatrical groups.


• When it comes to turpentine and brush cleaners, place them in closed containers to allow paint particles to settle out. The pour off the clear liquid for reuse. Add an absorbent such as cat litter to the remaining residue, and let it dry completely. Before you do this, however, make sure you know where you can dispose of the dried residue.