Eye protection

Many eye hazards lurk when tackling cleaning chores or when performing home improvements, such as painting or woodwork. When dust becomes airborne or chemicals splatter, they pose a hazard to your eyes. That’s why HousekeepingChannel.com recommends using eye protection during many tasks and having eyewash kits available.

It is estimated that more than one million people suffer from eye injuries, most of which occur inside the home, in the U.S. each year. Sources of these injuries include chlorine bleach and various cleaners, polishes, pesticides and herbicides. Almost all of these injuries can be prevented when using personal protection equipment (PPE) for eyes.

While prescription safety glasses may protect your eyes during some tasks, they aren’t made to protect the sides of the eyes. Plastic goggles that “wrap around” the face, protecting the sides of the eyes, offer the best protection for many tasks described on this site.

Many safety goggles are large enough to fit over prescription frames. Light-duty goggles suitable for occasional household use cost $5 to $20. Once cumbersome and unattractive, today’s eye protection is considered stylish and some even offer tinted, UV protection. They’re available in hardware stores, home centers and paint stores. Look for protective eyewear with the ANSI Z87.1 mark.

If you wear soft or “gas-permeable” contact lenses, it’s best to remove them before using any chemical. Vapors may be absorbed by these lenses, causing eye irritation — or more serious damage.