Reading product labels can be a little tricky, and especially so when it comes to household products like disinfectants. However, knowing and understanding what those terms actually mean can help you to make informed choices to ensure safe and effective use.
No two disinfectant products are the same – thus it’s important to analyse the different labels so you can verify whether the claims on the front of the packaging are truly accurate. If used incorrectly, these products might result in a whole host of safety hazards and unexpected toxic effects, which could then lead to immediate or long-term health problems. The only way to use a product correctly is to always read the warning labels and follow the instructions to make sure that it’s safe for you and your loved ones.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when reading labels:
#1 Pay attention to signal words.
Signal words are initial red flags that provide full transparency on how hazardous a product can be. Look out for any one of these three signal words – caution, warning or danger – often displayed in large, bold print on the front panel of a product.
“Caution” appears in products that are the least harmful to our health, and is usually safe for consumers with appropriate use. “Warning” is considered to be moderately toxic, and may cause skin or eye irritations when inhaled or ingested. “Danger” contains the highest level of warning, indicating that it’s likely to be poisonous or corrosive and should be avoided for safety reasons.
As a rule of thumb, any products with signal words should be handled with extreme care and kept out of reach from children at all times as these products tend to contain harmful substances that may lead to hazardous effects on your little ones.
#2 Follow the instructions as directed.
Product labels contain specific instructions to ensure proper usage. It’s imperative to follow the recommended directions indicated by the manufacturer in order to utilise the product for optimal results – what’s the correct amount needed, how to apply it safely, what are the surfaces it can be used on, how to properly store it etc.
#3 Check the list of ingredients.
Disinfectant solutions often make use of harmful chemicals to kill germs more rapidly and effectively, but these chemicals could pose a significant threat to one’s health. Always remember to do a thorough check on the list of active ingredients to make sure that it does not contain any toxic ingredients that may potentially cause harm to our skin, eyes and lungs in any way.
#4 Choose a safe product.
The bottom line? Choose a safe and all-around effective product that’s best for your needs! A product with no signal words and containing zero toxic ingredients is the way to go – this means you won’t have to worry about being exposed to harsh chemicals, especially if you have children in the household.
The good news is that BioCair’s disinfectant products are completely non-toxic, non-irritant and alcohol-free, and it’s also tested and proven to kill 99.999% of airborne and surface germs without the use of harmful chemicals. What’s more, BioCair is certified to be safe for use around children and does not cause any irritation to our skin, eyes and lungs.
Our website will provide you with more useful information on the safety and efficacy of our products, so you can stay well informed and take steps to protect yourself and others around you. Just remember to read the label!