Experts and manufacturers frequently recommend good ventilation when using solvents and cleaning chemicals. Many cleaning tasks involve chemicals that give off fumes that are a health hazard if inhaled in sufficient quantity. Some chemicals also irritate eyes and skin. Chlorine bleach, ammonia and other strong alkalies are examples. Certain cleaning agents are flammable, particularly solvents such as spot removers, acetone and alcohol, so reducing vapor concentration in the air is a matter of both good health and fire prevention.
Following are some suggestions for achieving good ventilation:
- Use the product outdoors if possible and practical.
- Run a portable fan nearby to promote good air circulation.
- Open windows and doors to admit fresh air to the room.
- Try the garage, particularly during inclement weather. Always open all doors to the outside. If using a solvent, work at least 12 feet away from any natural-gas water heater, furnace or dryer installed in the garage. Try another method if you can’t stay that far away, because pilot lights can and do ignite flammable vapors emitted by solvents.
- If you have a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or other mechanical ventilation system, run it on 'high' when using products that outgas.
