Paints, varnishes, waxes and many hobby products can release organic compounds during use and, to some degree, in storage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Plan the end-of-season cleanup around ventilation, product labels and local hazardous-waste options.
Let finishes dry and off-gas
EPA's remodeling guidance recommends continuing maximum ventilation after painting, applying finishes or other work likely to release pollutants. Its typical recommendation is maximum ventilation during installation and for at least 72 hours after installation is finished.
When possible, EPA recommends allowing materials that contain VOCs to off-gas outdoors before they are brought into the home. It also advises applying paints and sealers to building materials outside when possible, and bringing them indoors after they are dry.
During such work, EPA recommends keeping occupants away from the work area, particularly children, and cleaning the space before they return. The agency describes barriers such as plastic sheets taped over doors and other openings, along with local exhaust ventilation, to help prevent pollutants from spreading through the home.
Workers should use proper protection, keep clean and avoid carrying dust home, according to EPA.
Keep leftovers labeled and separate
EPA considers certain leftover household products hazardous waste when they can catch fire, react or explode under some conditions, or are corrosive or toxic. Paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides are among the products that can contain hazardous ingredients and require special care at disposal.
EPA's household hazardous waste guidance says to follow product-label instructions for use and storage. Hazardous products should stay in their original containers, and their labels should remain attached. The agency warns against putting these products in food containers.
Leftovers should never be mixed with other products, according to EPA. Incompatible products might react, ignite or explode, and contamination can make household hazardous waste unrecyclable.
EPA identifies corroding containers as a special-handling problem. Its advice is to get instructions from a local hazardous materials official or fire department.
The chemical shelf
EPA reports that paints, varnishes and wax contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Gases can escape even from closed containers, the agency reports.
For chemicals retained between projects, EPA recommends a well-ventilated storage area that is also safely out of reach of children. For occasionally or seasonally used products, including paint and paint strippers, the agency advises buying only as much as will be used right away.
Arrange local disposal
EPA recommends disposing of partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals safely, saying this can help lower indoor concentrations of organic chemicals. It warns against simply putting unwanted products in the garbage.
Product labels may also provide disposal directions. EPA recommends reading these directions to reduce the risk of explosion, ignition, leaks, mixing with other chemicals or other hazards during the trip to a disposal facility.
Local environmental, health or solid waste agencies can provide information on household hazardous waste management options in the area, according to EPA. The agency also suggests finding out whether local government or a community organization sponsors special collection days for toxic household waste.
Lighting between seasons
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) advises inspecting holiday lights each year before putting them up. It recommends discarding strands with frayed or pinched wires and following the manufacturer's instructions for the number of light strands that can be connected.
For a display with candles, USFA says candles should be at least 12 inches from anything that burns, in stable holders that are not easily knocked down. The agency also suggests considering battery-operated flameless candles.
USFA's general decoration guidance is to keep decorations at least three feet from any heat source.