Chemical Research on Household Substances

EPA Classification Codes of Hazardous Materials

Category Potential hazard

Ignitable/flammable Easily catches on fire

Corrosive Causes deterioration, etching, or eating away of body tissue and other surfaces that it touches.

Strong acids and bases fit into this category

Reactive Dangerous, unwanted reactions, explosions or detonations can occur from unstable ingredients

or when the material is mixed with or exposed to other substances

Toxic Poisonous; may cause injury or death if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Most household chemicals are toxic and even fatal if ingested in large enough quantities

Irritant* Causes redness, inflammation, or soreness to skin, eyes, mucous membranes or the respiratory system

Carcinogenic* Known to cause cancer

*Irritant and Carcinogenic are codes used in some classification systems

Select one of the locations on the list to review. Utilizing the EPA Classification Codes of Hazardous Materials, classify the products found in your chosen area of households.

Discuss the reason for the classification codes assigned, disposal methods, and possible safe alternatives that could serve the same purpose.

Additional Resources: https://essr.umd.edu/epa-hazardous-waste-codes