Words to live by: Read the label, follow the instructions, and don't mix chemicals.

And, if you don't?

One of the most common household safety hazards occurs when chlorine bleach is mixed with acids or ammonia. The combination produces dangerous chlorine gas, which in small doses can cause irritation to eyes, skin and the respiratory tract; in large doses, it can be lethal.

Other household products may contain bleach in the form of sodium hypochorite, which can create chlorine gas when mixed with acids or ammonia.

Select one cleaning agent and stick to it. For example: To keep the toilet bowl clean, use a bowl cleaner or an in-the-tank sanitizer. Most bowl cleaners are acids and most in-the-tank cleaners are bleaches. The combination is dangerous.

Although combining vinegar and ammonia doesn't produce dangerous gases, it should also be avoided. These two products will neutralize each other and produce a weaker, not stronger, cleaning agent.

Most household cleaning products have labels warning of possible hazards. Here are a few potentially dangerous cleaning products to keep in mind:

• Ammonium Oxalate: Used in metal polish, it's poisonous if ingested.
• Sodium Hydroxide: It's in drain and oven cleaners and is corrosive to all tissues, including skin. It can cause scars and/or damage to the respiratory tract.
• Sodium Carbonate: Found in powdered laundry detergent, it can damage eyes or skin and is poisonous if ingested.
• Ammonia: If inhaled in concentrated doses, it can cause severe breathing problems and/or even suffocation.

The preceding information was provided by Debbie Botzek-Linn, Stearns County Extension Service educator.