DANGERS IN AND ABOUT THE HOME 511 



a lighted match or candle. Such carelessness has brought about 

 terrible explosions which have resulted in many fires, deaths and 

 much destruction of valuable property. Illuminating gas, as we 

 have already learned in Chapter VI, may cause asphyxiation. Gas 

 fixtures should be carefully looked after to see that the stop-cocks 

 turn with some difficulty. Coal stoves generate a very dangerous gas 

 similar to illuminating gas. Dampers must be carefully adjusted 

 to allow this gas to escape up the chimney. 



Sewer gas may cause sickness and headaches. Tests should be 

 made for leaks in sewer pipes, as described on page 285. 



The Use of Gasoline and Benzine. Gasoline and benzine are 

 often used for cleaning purposes. We have already learned that the 

 vapor spreads very rapidly when either liquid is exposed to the air. 

 This vapor is very inflammable, and many people have lost their 

 lives by the use of gasoline or benzine without taking proper pre- 

 cautions. 



Poisons. Too many people are careless regarding the labeling 

 and storing of medicines. We often read of deaths caused by some 

 deadly poison taken by mistake because it was in the medicine 

 closet. This shows that every one should have a special place for 

 poisons used to kill flies and mice, or for other purposes. All 

 bottles should be conspicuously labeled, and kept where children 

 cannot get them, and where adults will not take them by mistake. 

 Medicines which are to be taken internally should never be kept 

 in the same closet with any poisons. 



Decomposing Matter. Whenever matter decays it generates 

 gases that are in most cases dangerous. Food materials easily 

 absorb these gases and thus become unfit for food and often poison- 

 ous for babies and young children. Flies and vermin which carry 

 disease germs to food breed in matter which is decomposing. We 

 should be very careful never to leave about the house, yard, alley, 

 or streets any material which will decay, because it may be the 

 means of causing sickness or even death. 



Broken Glass or Rusty Nails. The germs of blood poisoning 

 or lockjaw are introduced into the system through cuts and bruises. 

 Broken glass or rusty nails may be the cause of much suffering. 

 Whenever we see these things lying around, let us make it a point 



