radioactive are hazardous. If improperly used or disposed, they pose a risk to public health and the environment.

How to minimise hazardous wastes Use safer alternatives.

Read labels before purchasing.

Watch for the words `caution,' `warning,' `flammable,' and `danger.' Follow labels.

If you have any left over, give it to someone or bring it to a hazardous waste drop-off day.

Handling and using hazardous products and wastes Read the product label for exposure and spill information.

Keep the area where the product is used well-ventilated.

Keep children and pets away.

Wear protective clothing.

In case of spills For a major spill, call 911.

For a minor spill: Contain and cover the spill with absorbent material like sand or kitty litter. Sweep or scoop the material into a container with a lid or doubled plastic bags. Secure well. Wash the surface well with soap and water. Contact the Solid Waste Section, Ministry of Works & Engineering for directions on disposing of spilled materials.

How to get rid of unwanted hazardous products Do not throw them out with household garbage: collectors may be injured or poisoned by acids, fires and explosions.

Also, hazardous wastes that reach Tynes Bay Waste Treatment Facility may create toxic pollutants.

Do not pour them onto the ground or into a gutter: they leach and can cause pollution of the ground and sea water.

Use non-toxic alternatives Cleaners: Use baking soda, whiting powder or a nonchlorinated scouring powder for general cleaning.

Use full strength vinegar plus salt to remove grease.

Use borax to remove spots on counters.

Use a pumice stick to clean ovens and grills and to remove rust from tools.

Use half the recommended amount of automatic dish water detergent.

Recipes for all-purpose cleaners 1. 1 cup household ammonia, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 gallon water, 1 cup baking soda.

2. 1 tsp. liquid soap (castile), 1 tsp. borax, 1 quart water, 1 cup vinegar.

Polishes Copper polish: Use lemon juice and salt.

Aluminium polish: Inside pan -- Use 2 tbsp. of cream of tartar to one quart of water. Bring to boil and simmer 10 minutes. Outside pan -- use baking soda and scouring pad.

Chrome polish: Use baking soda or vinegar. To remove scum, try baby oil.

Brass polish: Apply thick coating of 1 tsp. salt, 1 cup vinegar and enough flour to make a paste. After 15-60 minutes, rinse with water. (Do not use on metal with a lacquer coating.) Stainless steel: Use baking soda and a plastic scouring pad.

Silver: Use baking soda and soft sponge or boil silver for 3 minutes with a sheet of aluminium foil, 2 inches water, 1 tsp. soda and 1 tsp. salt.

MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP