Chemicals (Check off each correct answer.)

When handling chemicals that come with children's science kits you should:

1. Handle them carefully so that they don't splash.

2. Always wear safety goggles when doing experiments with chemicals, and have adult supervision.

3. Not worry about handling chemicals that come with your kit if they say they are safe to get on your skin.

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When it comes to chemicals and cleaners used by Mom or Dad in the house you should:

1. Play with them when Mom or Dad's not looking.

2. Always make sure Mom and Dad wear gloves and goggles when handling hazardous cleaning materials.

3. Not worry about cleaners that are labeled ok to get on your skin.

The answers are:

1. Handle them carefully so that they don't splash. WRONG.
Even being extra careful will not always prevent an accident. Always protect your eyes with safety goggles.

2. Always wear safety goggles when doing experiments with chemicals and have adult supervision. RIGHT.
Wearing safety goggles when handling chemicals or doing experiments from your science kits is always necessary. All it takes is a drop of a chemical in the eye to damage or even blind you. Children should always have adult supervision when handling chemicals or doing experiments in their science kits because mixing chemicals can be very dangerous.

3. Not worry about handling chemicals that come with your kit if they say they are safe to get on your skin. WRONG.
Chemicals that are safe to get on your skin are not usually safe to get into your eyes. Your eyes are made up of very delicate tissues that are easily burned by any chemicals. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Treat chemicals with care and always have adult supervision.

Note: Science kits should always be age appropriate, and adults should always supervise children when they are using their science kits or doing experiments.

When it comes to chemicals and cleaners used by Mom or Dad in the house you should:

1. Play with them when Mom or Dad's not looking. WRONG.
Even ordinary household cleaners are a threat to your eyes and even your skin. They can splash, spill, and spray into your face and eyes, causing painful and permanent injury.

2. Always make sure Mom and Dad wear gloves and goggles when handling hazardous cleaning materials. RIGHT.
To safeguard against possible accidents, make sure they use cleaning products only as directed. In some cases fumes alone can be extremely irritating to the eyes. Everyone should use protective eyewear designed for hazardous cleaning materials.

3. Don't worry about cleaners that are labeled ok to get on your skin. WRONG.
Even though some cleaners and chemicals are safe to get on your skin, they can cause serious burns to your eyes. Children should never handle or use household chemicals and cleaners.

DID YOU KNOW?: Oven and drain cleaners, detergents, ammonia, bleaches, polishes, and other common household cleaning products were involved in nearly 17,000 eye injuries last year that were severe enough to require emergency room treatment.

The above information was taken from "Home Eye Safety Guide" a publication of PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA (TM). For more information about PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA (TM) programs follow the link at the bottom of the "Safe Eyes" page.