What are Aerosols? Aerosol cans contain propellants and active ingredients such as pesticides or paint. Propellants are gases under normal conditions, but when they are placed under pressure (as in aerosol containers), they liquify and occupy far less space. When the nozzle is pressed, pressure is released and the propellant quickly returns to its gaseous state, spraying into the air and carrying the product with it. What are the Hazards? Aerosol products include: Oven cleaners, tile cleaners, pesticides, disinfectants, hair sprays, room deodorizers, paints, and furniture polishes. Hazards associated with aerosols vary greatly. For example, pesticides include toxic materials, while some oven cleaners contain corrosive chemicals. Since aerosol-propelled particles are very small, they are easily absorbed into the lungs and bloodstream. Many of the propellants used with these products, such as butane or propane, are flammable and may be explosive. A variety of aerosol products still contain chlorofluorocarbons, which are harmful to the ozone layer (present approximately 70,000 feet above the earth's surface). The ozone layer provides a protective shield against harmful radiation. How Do I Avoid Accidents? The following safety rules should be observed when using aerosol products: Never puncture or subject an aerosol can to sharp impact; a sudden puncture may cause an explosion. Never leave or place an aerosol can near a high heat source such as a heater, direct sunlight, or fire. Heat causes the propellants to expand which may cause an explosion. Also, many propellants are flammable.

Never place an aerosol can in a trash compactor; the increased pressure may cause an explosion. Never throw a full or partially-full aerosol can into the regular trash. Refuse collectors may be injured by exploding cans and/or be sprayed with hazardous chemicals. Buy non-aerosol, pump-type sprays or powders How Do I Dispose of Aerosols? The following procedures should be observed when disposing of aerosols: Use the product completely or give it away to a friend or neighbor who may be able to use it. If the product cannot be given away for reuse or if the nozzle is broken, take it to a household hazardous waste collection facility or store it safely, away from heat, until a community collection day is held. Empty aerosol cans (no product emits when nozzle is depressed) may be thrown away with the regular trash. Buy non-aerosol, pump-type sprays or powders. DISPOSAL Call your local Enviornmental Health Department or the Solid Waste Recycling Hotline at 1-800-5449-4840 to find the location of a Small Quantity Generator Program or HHW collection program in your area. For More Information Call your local Public Works Department at 1-800-449-4840 or the California Integrated Waste Management Board's Recycling Hotline at 1-800-553-2962 to find the location of a household hazardous waste collection program in your area.