ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards are things that can make you very sick if you touch them or breathe them in. They are kind of like germs that make you sick, but they are not alive like germs. Instead, they are made up of chemicals, which are tiny things that can be found in things like cleaning products, gasoline, and even some foods.

Imagine you are playing in your backyard and you see a pretty bottle that has a warning sign on it. The warning sign lets you know that the bottle has chemicals inside that can hurt you if you touch them or breathe them in. You should not touch the bottle or try to open it, no matter how pretty it may look!

Sometimes, chemicals can get into the air or water and make the air or water dangerous to breathe or drink. This is why it's important to be careful about what you put in your body and to always listen to grown-ups when they tell you to stay away from things that could be dangerous.

To stay safe, you should always read labels and warnings on bottles and cans before you touch or use them. If you see a warning sign, remember to stay away and ask a grown-up for help.