Pollution Prevention

Hazardous Materials

Commonly-used chemicals including pesticides, ingredients in household products, and synthetic fertilizers, as well as waste materials from homes, businesses, and industry are even more serious hazards to human and environmental health than previously recognized.

All who live, work, or visit in Baltimore would benefit from a concerted effort to reduce the presence of hazardous materials in our environment. Strategies for reaching this goal will be guided by the Precautionary Principle, which states that policies and actions should protect people and nature from harm by requiring proven safety of products before they are used or handled, rather than waiting until proven harm is established in order to remove such products. Here are five strategies to help:

  • Adopt the “Precautionary Principle” as the underlying policy standard
  • Adopt a policy and plan for elimination of pesticide use and other toxic chemicals
  • Comply with the Maryland Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Schools mandate
  • Enact an ordinance prohibiting the use of known toxins in health care delivery settings
  • Aggressively promote the redevelopment of Brownfield sites
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Partner Organizations:
What You Can Do
  1. Before you buy, always check the product labels. Look for labeling that reads "DANGER", "WARNING", "CAUTION", "TOXIC", or "POISON". Pay close attention to drain openers, oven cleaners, glues, paint thinners, and vehicle oil and fuel additives.
  2. Keep products in their original containers that display product information and store them in safe places away from kids and pets
  3. Never pour harmful household products down sink, toilet, or storm drain that are not intended for that purpose
  4. Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at school and at work