Passover is approaching, and the chase after a sparkling home begins. Just before you start scrubbing and spreading cleaning materials, it is worth stopping and thinking about how to clean while protecting your health and that of the children.
Strong cleaning materials help us keep the home sparkling, but they can be harmful if not used correctly. Contact with the skin or eyes, inhalation of dangerous fumes, or swallowing can cause serious harm. Every year, in the week before Passover, a significant increase is recorded in calls to the National Poison Information Center, mainly among children, but adults can also be harmed. According to the Ministry of Health and the National Poison Information Center, in the week before Passover there is an increase of up to fifty percent in calls due to exposure to cleaning materials and chemicals compared to regular weeks during the year. And this year, when children are at home – it is even more dangerous.
The most dangerous materials
Degreasers
Drain opening materials
Concentrated bleach
Pesticides
Even regular materials like floor liquid can be harmful if used in high quantities or incorrectly. Always read the instructions on the packaging and do not try to guess what is allowed to be done with cleaning materials.
Smart cleaning without risk
- Good ventilation – open windows and doors especially in bathrooms and toilets
- Personal protection – gloves are mandatory and if the material releases strong fumes consider also a mask
- Keeping children away – it is preferable that the little ones be outside the house during the cleaning and if they remain ensure close supervision
- Smart storage – keep materials in a locked cabinet or in a high place
- Preserving the original container – do not pour into another bottle
- Do not mix materials – especially bleach with acids
- Hand washing – wash hands thoroughly and avoid contact with the face during the work
Signs that may indicate exposure
Irritation of the skin or eyes
Burning in the throat
Abdominal pain and vomiting
Increased salivation
Shortness of breath or cough
If you feel dizziness, cough or burning in the eyes during cleaning, go out to fresh air, wash hands and face and drink water.
What to do in case of exposure?
Keep calm
Do not induce vomiting
If there are no severe symptoms it is possible to drink water or milk
Contact immediately the National Poison Center 04 7771900
In a severe case with repeated vomiting, shortness of breath, burns or loss of consciousness, go immediately to a hospital and do not forget to take the material container with you
How to distinguish between poisoning and a viral illness?
Symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, cough or burning in the eyes may appear without you being aware of exposure to chemical materials. In such a case it is important to consult with the treating physician or with the National Poison Information Center.
Official studies and sources such as the Ministry of Health indicate an increase in calls to poison centers around Passover cleaning, mainly among children under the age of six. Exposure to fumes of dangerous cleaning materials may cause increased salivation, cough, hoarseness and abdominal pain and therefore adherence to safety measures is critical. Therefore, proper use of cleaning materials, storage in a protected place, keeping children away and adherence to simple protective measures will ensure a clean and safe holiday for everyone.
Dr. Kay Alkara is a family physician, Maccabi Healthcare Services Northern District