Household Hazardous Waste Symbols

How are products hazardous? Learn what the hazard signs are and what they mean.
DOT 8
Corrosive
Can burn or destroy living tissue. Acids and bases (caustic) Most cleaning agents are mildly corrosive.  Highly corrosive materials include drain cleaners, muriatic (pool) acid, oven cleaners, battery acid, and chlorine
DOT 1
Explosive
Can detonate or explode through exposure to heat, impact, or pressure, such as gun powder. 
DOT 3
Flammable / Ignitable
Will easily burn. Items such as gasoline, oil-based paints, lacquer, paint stripper, thinners, and other solvents are in this category.
DOT 6.2
Infectious
May cause disease in humans and animals. Examples include blood, biomedical waste, body fluids, and used syringes.
DOT 5.1
Reactive
May generate excess heat, noxious fumes, violent reactions, or explosions when mixed with some other substances.  Examples include pool chlorine and permanganate water treatment chemicals.
DOT 6.1
Toxic / Poisonous
Capable of causing injury or death through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption. Some toxins can cause cancer, genetic mutations, or fetal harm. Examples include pesticides, paint remover, and thinner, silver polish, flea powders, pet shampoos, and insect sprays.