INTELLIGENCE FOR LIFE

Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications may ease your discomfort. Antihistamines can stop the itching and sneezing caused by the release of histamine that the body produces in response to allergens. Antihistamines block the action of histamine. There are many over-the-counter varieties, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and clemastine (Tavist).

Although OTC antihistamines are effective in minimizing hay fever symptoms, they can cause extreme drowsiness. In fact, some people use antihistamines as a sleeping aid. Dry mouth is another common side effect. Less common are confusion and blurred vision. Over-the-counter antihistamines all have warning labels urging users not to operate heavy machinery or drive while … Continue Reading

Allergies are a short-term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages. “Hay fever,” as the condition is commonly called, is caused by airborne pollens from trees, grasses, flowers, and weeds. Allergy season typically kicks off in the spring and fall when certain trees or grasses pollinate. When pollen season starts and how long it lasts varies throughout the country. In southern states, trees can start pollinating as early as late February and grass can start by the end of April, while in midwestern states allergies may not flare up until May. Another round of allergies may begin … Continue Reading

Common hazardous ingredients
Formaldehyde, isobutane, methlyene chloride, naphthalene, o-phenylphenol, p-dichlorobenzene, pine oil, propane

Potential hazards
Harmful to lungs if inhaled in high concentrations or for prolonged periods of time; solid fresheners may be poisonous if eaten by children or pets.

Use and storage
Follow label instructions. Store in a locked cabinet or out of reach of children and pets and away from sources of heat or flames.

Disposal
Best: Use up or give away. Dispose of empty, nonaerosol containers in the garbage.
Second Best: Hold for a household hazardous waste collection.
Third Best: Dispose of solid leftover product in the garbage.

General Fixes

• Open windows and doors … Continue Reading
  

Common hazardous ingredients
Methylene chloride, nitrous oxide, o-phenylphenol, propane, trichloroethane, trichloroethylene

Potential hazards
Containers may explode if heated; contents may be highly flammable, irritants, corrosives, toxins or poisons.

Use and storage
Use in a well-ventilated area (preferably outdoors) and follow instructions. Avoid breathing vapors. NEVER burn aerosol cans or place them in a trash compactor, even if the cans are completely empty. Prevent nozzles from becoming clogged. Give the spray button a quarter turn before spraying. If a spray opening becomes clogged while the can is in use, turn it upside down and spray for a few seconds. Always … Continue Reading

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound which is widely used in industrial manufacturing and a number of other industries. Many people are familiar with formaldehyde in the form of formalin, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde which is used as an embalming preservative. This chemical is toxic, known to cause cancer and a variety of other health problems, and for this reason, most people make an effort to avoid formaldehyde.

This chemical is the simplest of the aldehydes, chemical compounds which include a terminal carbonyl group. A carbonyl group is a group of atoms which includes a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen … Continue Reading

Melmac is the name for plastic dinnerware that was created with the use of melamine. First developed in the 1940s, melamine resin is easily molded into a number of different shapes and is extremely durable. During the middle of the 20th century, Melmac dinnerware could be found in just about every home in the United States, owing to the low cost and easy care of the dishes.

In construction, Melmac is used for just about any type of dinnerware. Melmac serving bowls were common, as well as plates, cups, and glasses. Any type of color pigment could be added to … Continue Reading

Melamine is an organic compound that is often combined with formaldehyde to produce melamine resin, a synthetic polymer which is fire resistant and heat tolerant. Melamine resin is a very versatile material with a highly stable structure. Uses for melamine include whiteboards, floor tiles, kitchenware, fire retardant fabrics, and commercial filters. Melamine can be easily molded while warm, but will set into a fixed form. This property makes it ideally suited to certain industrial applications.

Melamine resin is manufactured by mixing urea with formaldehyde under heat and pressure. The substances begin to polymerize and are forced into a mold which will … Continue Reading