Many individuals may not realize that this week is National Hazardous Materials Awareness Week.

Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the week is meant to remind individuals about the harms of hazardous materials.

“When people think of hazardous materials, they think of the plants that have a lot of toxic chemicals and things like that. But hazardous materials really affect us every day in our household.”

Kempf mentions that many may not even realize the amount of hazardous materials that are in and around their home. He explains that the list can include cleaning chemicals, paint thinners and turpentine, weed killers, the acid used in batteries, and many other everyday items.