Hazardous Household Products Symbols

Hazardous Household Products Symbols (HHPS) are found on many household cleaners and on containers in the science laboratory. They alert the user to the potential dangers of that particular product. In recent years the symbols have changed. There used to be three shapes but now there are only two:

This symbol means the container is dangerous. It can explode if heated or puncture causing flying bits of metal or plastic that can lead to serious injuries.	This symbol means the product inside the container is dangerous. The octagonal stop sign usually appears with one of three cautions.
Usually you will see the triangle with the explosive symbol inside it. Examples include aerosol cans, such as hair spray or spray paint.	Product is corrosive and will burn skin, eyes, throat, or stomach. Examples include oven cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner. Product is flammable and will catch fire easily if it is near heat, flames or sparks. Examples include gasoline and hair spray. Product is poisonous and will cause illness or death if ingested. Examples include furniture polish and windshield washer fluid.

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