As the war in Israel continues and as the education system is still closed, many children must remain at home, a different risk is emerging inside Israeli homes. The National Poison Information Center at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) reports a spike in calls regarding children’s exposure to dangerous household chemicals and substances.
Ambulance outside the The Cheryl Spencer Pediatric Emergency Department. Photography: Rambam HCC.
Last week after drinking bleach, a toddler arrived at the Cheryl Spencer Pediatric Emergency Department at Rambam’s Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital. He was treated and transferred in stable condition to one of the pediatric departments for observation.
Earlier in the week, in another case, a one year old arrived unconscious. Tests revealed cannabis exposure. He is recovering but remains hospitalized under observation. These two cases reflect a broader upward trend reported by the National Poison Information Center (the Center): more children are being exposed to dangerous substances such as medications and household cleaning products—a ten percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Dr. Yael Lurie, director of the Center, highlights that the stress and anxiety caused by the war are affecting parental vigilance. “In recent days we’re handling more calls and requests for advice about incidents where children have ingested medications or household cleaning products,” she says. “In many homes, Passover preparations are also underway with intense cleaning and organizing. During this period, we consistently see an increase in cases of exposure to hazardous substances. This year, however, the situation demands even greater caution.”
Dr. Lurie emphasizes that action is required to mitigate this dangerous trend. “To prevent harm and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits—especially now—we ask parents to store medications in a safe, locked place, out of children’s reach.”
The same caution applies to cleaning products kept in the home. “We are doing everything we can to protect ourselves from external dangers, and we must show the same commitment to protecting our loved ones from dangers inside the home,” she stresses.
For cases of suspected poisoning in Israel, call the National Poison Information Center at Rambam: +972-4-777-1900.
