Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:00 AM

(HealthDay News) -- Common household products for cleaning, cooking and doing other chores can contain potentially dangerous chemicals.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists these safety tips for household products:

Check all products for warnings before use, and always follow instructions on the label.When you are finished using a product, throw it away. Toss any old products that you don't need any more.Make sure all potentially dangerous products are stored where children cannot reach them, and in an area with good ventilation.Be especially careful with dangerous products such as paint strippers, or any other products that contain methylene chloride.Be careful with chemicals around animals.Pay attention to clothes that have been drycleaned. If you notice a strong chemical smell, take it back and ask that it be cleaned or dried again.