When you stop to think about it, your garage probably contains more potentially hazardous materials than any other location in your home. Because many people keep vehicle and garden supplies there, the garage is likely home to more of these than you can shake a stick at. Know what some of the more common chemicals are so that you can keep tabs on the storage procedure and to know where they should be taken for recycling or proper disposal.

Brake fluid 
Brake fluid contains ethylene glycol, a chemical that can cause a reaction if released through the air and is considered extremely toxic if inhaled. Possible inhalation side effects may include headache, drowsiness or rapid or slurred speech. It can also be dangerous if it makes contact with skin or eyes, or is ingested. Any used fluids should be put in a sealable container and taken to (or left for) the proper facility.

Car batteries
Batteries have an extremely high lead content, as well as containing sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is highly flammable and can release explosive toxic gases. Because many drivers are unsure of what to do with used ones, they actually leave their current batteries in their vehicles for far too long and then simply leave them in public areas rather than finding the proper resting place for them. Hint: that's not the proper place for these, but if you handle them, you'll need to take some serious safety precautions.

Antifreeze 
Ethylene glycol makes yet another appearance on the list, this time in the fluid that prevents your engine from freezing. Not only can it cause adverse reactions in adults (see above), it can also be fatal to your children and your pets. A small amount is enough to seriously harm or kill a pet, many of whom are kept in garages while their owners are away. Unfortunately pets are actually attracted to the small of ethylene glycol, and therefore you will want to ensure you don't leave your pet alone for extended periods in an area that may experience a spill.

Gasoline
That little jerry can filled with gasoline you keep around for emergencies is actually not as harmless as you may think. Gasoline is made up of many compounds, but they add up to a substance that can be toxic. You'll also want to ensure you take some safety precautions for storing the highly combustible substance.

Paint thinner
The vapors from paint thinner can be harmful and they are also extremely flammable. They can be recycled in a closed container once the particles have the had the time to settle. They will need to be taken to a properly facility for disposal as well.

Cleaning solvents
Solvents such as mineral spirits are often used because of the ability to get rid of oil, grease, dirt and thick lubricants. Unfortunately, they are not only effective, they also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the can be toxic when airborne and inhales and are a contributing factor to the problem of smog.

Weed Killers
Chemicals such as weed killers may be stored in your garage simply because there is no other convenient place to keep them. However, they can be hazardous if they are not kept properly and end up in storm drains, and can contaminate the water supply and cause humans to become sick. This is another chemical that should be stored in a leak-proof container and disposed of at the proper local facility. If a spill does occur, use cloths or cat litter to soak up the liquid.

Motor Oil
This may be one of the most common materials you'll find in any garage, especially if your a do-it-yourself oil changer. While changing your own oil isn't necessarily a bad thing, not disposing of the product carefully certainly is, since the amount used in just one vehicle can contaminate a heck of a lot of water!

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