Hazardous Substances

Source: A Parish Handbook for Christian Environmentalism in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

The use of paint thinners, solvents, aerosols, acids and plastic products constitute a threat to air, land and water, and should be replaced with environmentally safe products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") is one source of information about such products.

• Motor oil can be and should be recycled. Contact your local service station for recycling.

• Car batteries can often be recharged. If not, they should be disposed of in an environmentally safe way.

• A list of basic environmentally safe cleaning solutions and laundry detergents are: Borax, soap, vinegar, water, baking soda and washing soda. For laundry detergents, read the label and make sure they are phosphate-free.

• Cleaning products, laundry detergents, household chemicals and aerosol propelled window sprays pollute both air and water. Environmentally safe products should be substituted.

• The potential hazards of indoor radon and drinking water contamination should be acknowledged. Test for radon exposure by getting a commercially-available kit. Readings above 4 picocuries/liter are considered to be cancer-causing. Monitor your drinking water, such as your parish water cooler, to check for lead and other contamination. There are water testing companies with State certification to do such testing. Poor water quality is particularly injurious to pregnant women, and extremely young and old people.

For information on recycling centers in your area, follow this link to "EARTH'S 911."  Then, look for the link regarding community specific information, click on your state and enter your zip code.

St. John's United Church of Christ - Phoenixville, PA