In this post, we describe the importance of hazard symbols on products and how they function as warnings for consumers. We go through different types of hazard symbols and their meaning, as well as why it is important to follow the instructions on the products. We conclude with a discussion about why some products do not need hazard symbols, like our own Västerbottenssåpa.
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Hazard symbols exist to warn us consumers and to inform us about how to use the product safely. A product can have several hazard symbols because the product can be harmful in more than one way.
The packaging should also state how you can protect yourself and how to handle leftover product.
Note that hazard symbols can also be found on "natural" products such as essential oils as they can be, for example, allergenic. Even natural fragrances in high concentration may need to be labeled with hazard symbols and they should be handled as the labeling indicates despite being "natural", you should never disregard a hazard symbol, not even if you yourself consider the product to be "natural".
Corrosive
The hazard symbol means that the product is corrosive.
A product labeled "Corrosive" can cause damage if it gets on your skin, in your eyes or in your mouth. This can include, for example, descaling agents, oven cleaners or ammonia. If you use corrosive products, you should always wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself. Remember that corrosive products should always be stored so that children cannot access them.
For example, dishwashing detergents and laundry detergents can also be labeled with the "Corrosive" pictogram because they can cause serious damage to the eyes.
Harmful
The hazard symbol means that the product can be harmful if it gets on your skin or if you accidentally swallow or inhale the product.
This symbol is "a bit general" that is, it can mean slightly different things but that it is time to be careful.
It can, for example, irritate the skin, eyes or respiratory tract or it can cause skin allergies. It can also mean that you can become dizzy or drowsy from inhaling it. The pictogram is also found on products that are harmful to the earth's ozone layer.
Products labeled "Harmful" are common in most homes. You can, for example, see the pictogram on scented candles, on liquid dishwashing detergents and other cleaning agents and on coolant for the car.
Serious health hazard
A product with the hazard symbol "Serious health hazard" can be very harmful to health if used incorrectly. The products can, for example, damage internal organs in the body.
There are different types of hazards associated with the pictogram "Serious health hazard". You can find the hazard symbol on products such as lighter fluid, lamp oil, white spirit and gasoline. If you accidentally swallow such a product, it can easily slide down into the lungs and cause chemical pneumonia which in the worst case can be fatal.
Other products are labeled "Serious health hazard" because they can cause an allergic reaction, asthma symptoms or make it difficult to breathe if you happen to inhale vapors from the product.
The symbol is also used to warn of serious health damage such as cancer or affect the ability to have children. It is unlikely that you have such products at home, as chemicals with such properties are generally not allowed to be sold to the general public.
Acute toxic
The hazard symbol means that the product is toxic or fatal.
Products labeled with the "Skull and crossbones" hazard symbol are very toxic and you can become very ill – or even die – if the product is used incorrectly. It is not very likely that you have products labeled "Skull and crossbones" at home, as most chemicals with such properties are not sold to the general public here in Sweden. But this hazard symbol can, for example, be found on certain e-cigarette liquids.
Hazardous to the environment
The hazard symbol means that the product can be dangerous to the environment.
A product labeled "Hazardous to the environment" is toxic to animals and plants in the environment. The chemical substances found in environmentally hazardous products can sometimes also be difficult to break down in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.
You will find this hazard symbol on products used against insects or weeds. It can also be found on certain cleaning agents, pool chemicals and impregnation sprays.
A product labeled "Hazardous to the environment" should not be poured down the drain or thrown away with household waste. Instead, it should be taken to the environmental station.
Flammable
The hazard symbol means that the product is flammable. It should be kept away from open flames. It should also be kept away from anything that can emit sparks and start a fire, such as electrical equipment or mechanical tools.
You can find the "Flammable" hazard symbol on various products, such as gasoline, diesel and lamp oils or solvents such as acetone or turpentine and white spirit. Even hand sanitizer and glue can be flammable products.
You should never spray a product labeled "Flammable" near an open flame or anything else that can start a fire. Remember that the container must be tightly closed and that it must be stored in a cool place and protected from sunlight.
Explosive
The hazard symbol means that the product can explode.
You probably don't have any products at home that are labeled with the "Explosive" pictogram. Most are used in workplaces such as workshops, laboratories and factories. However, it is possible that you can find a few explosive products at home, such as fireworks or distress rockets. Explosive products should be stored away from heat, sparks and open flames. If you have any at home, they should be stored in a cool and dark place.
Oxidizing
The hazard symbol "Oxidizing" means that the product can worsen a fire.
Oxidizing products can cause a fire to spread faster and become more intense. Examples of oxidizing products are certain bleaches and products used in swimming pools. Oxidizing products should be stored away from open flames and flammable products.
Gas under pressure
The hazard symbol means that a container contains gas under pressure.
It is very important that a container that contains gas under pressure is not heated, for example by being near an open flame. The container can namely explode from the heat.
A container that contains gas under pressure must be handled in the manner stated on the label, so as to avoid it exploding. If the container is damaged, you should seek professional help to take care of it. The damage can mean that the container is no longer completely sealed and that there is a risk that it can explode.
You can find the symbol for "Gas under pressure" for example on gas cylinders for gas stoves and patio heaters. Car mechanics and blacksmiths also use gas cylinders when welding metal. Divers use cylinders with compressed air to be able to breathe underwater.
If you want to know more about hazard symbols, you can visit the Swedish Chemicals Agency's website.
Västerbottenssåpa is a superfatted soap that is manufactured in our own small factory in Vilhelmina, inland Västerbotten. The basic recipe and the whole idea comes from great-grandmother Fredrika in Hornsjö. She let nothing go to waste and neither do we. According to her teachings, we purify and saponify rapeseed oil into the finest cleaning product. The soap is effective, economical and gentle on both you and the environment. It is actually so gentle that no warning symbols are needed on the label. Climate-smart and chemically sound for you and your family and for the future.
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Questions and Answers
Why is it important to follow the instructions on products with hazard symbols?
It is important because the products can cause damage to health or the environment if they are not handled correctly. Hazard symbols provide instructions on how to protect yourself and others.
Can natural products also have hazard symbols, and why?
Yes, natural products such as essential oils can be allergenic or otherwise harmful and may therefore need to be labeled with hazard symbols. It is important to handle them according to the labeling, even though they are "natural".
What should you do with environmentally hazardous products when they are used up?
Environmentally hazardous products should not be poured down the drain or thrown away with household waste. Instead, they should be taken to an environmental station for safe handling and waste management.