- In the week before Passover 2024, there was an increase of approximately 30% in the number of inquiries compared to the weekly average for that year.
- There was an approximately 80% increase in inquiries in the week before Passover due to exposure to chemicals and cleaning materials compared to the weekly average in 2024.
- Approximately 40% of the inquiries in the week before Passover were regarding children under 6 years of age due to poisoning or suspected poisoning.
In preparation for Passover, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Medical Center and the BETEREM Safe Kids organization, are publishing rules for the safe use of cleaning materials at home, as well as data on inquiries received by the Israel Poison Information Center due to poisoning or suspected poisoning.
According to data from the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Medical Center, each year there is an increase in the number of exposures to hazardous substances, including cleaning materials and drugs. Data on inquiries following poisoning or suspected poisoning in the week before Passover in 2024:
- There was an approximately 80% increase in inquiries due to exposure to chemicals and cleaning materials in this week compared to the weekly average in 2024.
- In this week, 1,114 inquiries were received, an increase of approximately 30% in all inquiries for advice compared to the weekly average in 2024, similar to previous years.
- Of all the inquiries in this week, approximately 40% were about toddlers and children under the age of 6, most of them due to exposure to cleaning materials and drugs.
Common examples of cleaning materials and chemicals that are linked to poisoning include bleach, degreasers, scale removers, insecticides, acids, and petroleum distillates. In many cases, the harm is due to mixing cleaning materials, which causes the release of gases that irritate the respiratory tract to the point of respiratory distress. In addition, there are many cases of chemical burns, eye damage, and even cases of children swallowing cleaning materials.
In addition to injuries from cleaning materials, there is also an increase in drug poisoning, as during cleaning and tidying up the house, many drugs are left unattended, thrown in the trash, and are accessible to children who are at home on vacation. These conditions increase the risk of accidents at home in general, and poisoning in particular.
Preparations for Passover include extensive use of cleaning materials, dyes, and pesticides, with the materials often being within reach of children, in open packages, scattered around, and even transferred to beverage bottles and glasses.
In order to reduce the harm caused by poisoning as much as possible, the Israel Poison Information Center and the BETEREM Safe Kids organization publish rules for the safe home use of cleaning materials and drugs:
Cleaning materials:
- Cleaning materials should be stored in a closed cabinet, used immediately, and after use closed and returned to their place.
- Cleaning materials should not be transferred to other containers (glasses or drinking bottles).
- Make sure that disinfectants (such as alcohol gel) are out of reach of children.
- Read the instructions for the use of cleaning materials. Do not mix materials.
- Do not let children play with cleaning materials, sprays, disinfectants or drug containers, even if they are tightly closed.
Drugs:
- Drugs should be stored in a closed box, out of the reach and sight of children. Drugs in the refrigerator should be kept in a tightly closed and labeled box.
- Administer drugs under the supervision of parents and, when finished, return them to their place.
- Do not let children play with drugs, since many children know how to open safety seals.
- Drugs given as drops in the mouth (including iron preparations and vitamins) should first be dripped into a teaspoon and then given to the child. Do not drip directly from the bottle into the mouth.
- Do not present drugs or vitamins as sweets in order to convince children to take them.
- Bags containing drugs should be kept out of the reach of children.
Dr. Yael Luria, Director of the Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Medical Center: “Every year we see an increase in inquiries to the Israel Poison Information Center in the week before Passover. Every year, most poisonings occur in the home environment and mostly occur among children. In order to raise awareness of safety rules, a video was distributed this year, detailing ways to reduce harm from poisoning, and educational materials were also distributed to medical professionals who come into contact with parents and children. It is important to remember that most cases are preventable through the attention of adults and adherence to safety rules for the home use of cleaning materials and drugs”.
Orly Silbinger, CEO of BETEREM Safe Kids organization: “Babies and young children are characterized by curiosity and tend to explore the world, tasting and touching objects that attract their attention. Poisoning can occur through the mouth or through contact with the skin or eyes. The best way to prevent poisoning is to keep dangerous substances out of the reach of children. Cleaning materials and drugs should be kept in a high place or in a locked cabinet, in their original packaging, and avoid using cleaning products around children due to the danger of inhaling fumes. Especially in preparation for Passover, when the frequency of use of cleaning materials increases, safety guidelines should be followed to prevent poisoning”.
In cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning, contact the Israel Poison Information Center, at the telephone number 04-7771900.
In cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning, do not induce vomiting. In the event of skin or eye exposure, rinse the area thoroughly with plenty of running water.
In the event of difficulty breathing, convulsions or loss of consciousness, call 101 immediately.
A link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I79fDbP2QUo
