A number of dangerous substances are found in the garage or tool
shed, including paint, paint thinners, benzene, paraffin, mineral
spirits, turpentine, lubricating/motor oils, and petrol. Some
of the toxic chemicals found in these products include these chemicals:
Toluene found in some paints, thinners, lacquers,
wood putty and petrol can cause liver and kidney damage, spontaneous
abortions, miscarriages and even death;
Benzene, found in some paints, paint thinners, petrol,
motor oils, and resins, is cancer causing, and is toxic if
swallowed, inhaled or absorbed by the skin.
mineral spirits in oil-based paint are a skin, eye,
nose throat, and lung irritant. High air concentrations can
cause nervous system damage, unconsciousness and death;
Lead can be found in exhaust fumes and old paint.
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body.
The most sensitive is the central nervous system, particularly
in children. Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive
system. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or
swallowed. Even at very low doses lead is bad for children,
as it is associated with IQ deficiencies, reading and learning
disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity,
and antisocial behaviour. Almost all symptoms of Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) are the same as the symptoms of lead
poisoning. 
Charcoal lighters and briquettes contain petroleum
distillates. Some petroleum distillates contain benzene, a
known human carcinogen. Benzopyrene is released from
low temperature fires, such as the barbecue/ braai/ grill
and causes cancer.
Hints for a garage
Carefully dispose of chemicals you no longer use. Never pour
antifreeze, oil or other chemicals on the ground, into storm
sewers or down the drain. Call your local government to see
if they have a disposal location for used car batteries and
other household hazardous wastes. Keep products in their original
container when possible. If a container is leaking, put it
in a spill proof secondary container. For a braai/barbeque,
substitute charcoal lighters and briquettes with twigs &
paper to get the fire going. |
