Lesson 2.2 - Chemicals at Home

Chemicals used in the home are labelled using the HHPS system. Read the text at the top of page 9 to find out what HHPS means.

You are required to know what each of the four hazard symbols and three level symbols mean. To learn what the symbols look like, turn to Figure 1.5 on page 9 of your textbook. Then answer the following question.

Question 1. What does HHPS mean? How many possible symbols are there in total in the system described in Figure 1.5?

Then, return here to continue this lesson.


As of October 2001 the labelling system was revised to simplify the system. Keep in mind that you will likely have some products that were made before this date and it is still important to know the meaning of the old symbols. There are only four symbols in the new HHPS system. One of them relates only to the container. The container symbol has the triangle shape and the explosion graphic inside. The other three relate to the contents of the container and have the stop sign shape (means dangerous contents) with three possible graphics inside, corrosive, flammable, and poisonous. The following table shows the four symbols, their meaning and some examples of products that would require the symbols.

Explosive

This container can explode if it's heated or punctured. Flying pieces of metal or plastic can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes.
  • water repellant for shoes or boots in an aerosol container
  • spray paint in an aerosol container

Corrosive

This product will burn skin or eyes on contact, or throat and stomach if swallowed.
  • toilet bowl cleaner
  • oven cleaner

Flammable

This product, or its fumes, will catch fire easily if it's near heat, flames or sparks.
  • contact adhesives
  • gasoline

Poison

Licking, eating, drinking, or sometimes smelling, this product will cause illness or death.
  • windshield washer fluid
  • furniture polish

Question 2. Which system do you think is better, the old or the new, revised HHPS?

Then, return here to continue this lesson.












Answers to Questions:

Question 1. What does HHPS mean? How many possible symbols are there in total in the system described in Figure 1.5?

HHPS means Hazardous Household Product Symbols. There are a total of twelve possible symbols as shown in Figure 1.5.


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Answers to Questions:

Question 2. Which system do you think is better, the old or the new, revised HHPS?

You likely would say the new HHPS since there are only 4 symbols, one for the container and three for the contents.


Now it is time to do Assignment 1B. Please page forward to access the computer-scored assignment.