FDA issues advisory on safe use of household hazardous products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to ensure the proper utilization and handling of Household/Urban Hazardous Substances (HUHS) products and prioritize safety in households and communities.

The advisory issued on Wednesday, Sept. 27 addresses the widespread presence of HUHS products essential for domestic and workplace activities like cleaning, freshening, and DIY projects.
The FDA acknowledges that HUHS products are generally safe when used correctly, but consumers should be aware of potential risks if mishandled or improperly used.
It emphasized the importance of clear, comprehensive product labels, including brand names, net content, batch/lot/SKU numbers, usage instructions, hazard warnings, storage guidelines, and manufacturer contact information.
This information is crucial for the safe use of HUHS products, along with precautionary statements to minimize potential risks, it pointed out.
The FDA also pointed out the importance of following handling and storage procedures for HUHS products to prevent injuries or accidents, as well as the role of clear safety instructions on product labels.
Child and pet safety should also be prioritized by keeping chemical products out of reach.
It cited the need to keep chemical products out of their reach, given that young children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers, exhibit natural curiosity and behaviors that can lead to inadvertent exposure.
To ensure household safety, the FDA recommended implementing childproof storage practices, making thoughtful selections when purchasing HUHS products, and maintaining vigilant supervision.
Consumers were also cautioned by the FDA against mixing HUHS products with other chemicals, as it could lead to hazardous mixtures or reduced effectiveness. Instead, they should consult label warnings for product compatibility guidance.
The agency discouraged the transfer of HUHS products to different containers, as manufacturer-provided containers are specifically designed to maintain product stability and quality, ensuring the prescribed shelf life and efficacy.
In cases where adverse health effects occur due to the use of HUHS products, the FDA strongly advised consumers to discontinue use and promptly seek medical consultation.
Suspected poisonings should be treated with urgency to safeguard individual health and well-being, it added. (Zekinah Elize Espina)