Pesach Cleaning Agents And Chemicals Safety Guidelines

In preparation for the Passover holiday, the Ministry of Health has shared the following safety rules for use of cleaning agents and chemicals prepared by Prof. Yedidia Bentur, of the Israel Poison Information Center at Rambam Medical Center and Orly Silvinger, of the Beterem Organization for Child Safety:

• Cleaning agents are to be kept out of reach of children, in a high or locked place. Once the use is over, they must be returned to their place and the container closed, in order to prevent ingestion or inhalation of toxic and caustic agents.
• It is advisable to purchase cleaning agents and drugs in packages that are difficult for children to open.
• Do not mix cleaning agents, particularly acids and bleaches, these mixtures discharge toxic gases and may be dangerous in the case of inhalation.
• Make sure to keep cleaning agents and drugs in their original package and keep the package shut. Do not store cleaning agents in drink bottles, even if the bottle states “Toxic” – toddlers cannot read.
• Do not store cleaning agents near food products or drink cups.
• Carefully reading the product's directions before use, with special attention to warnings, may benefit both adults and children.
• Drugs that are not in use or that have expired, cleaning agents and pesticides, paints and paint thinners that are not in use should be safely removed from the home without children having access to them.

In any case of exposure or suspected exposure to a toxic agent, seek medical assistance or contact the Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Medical Center, telephone 04-7771900.

Click here for the full article on the Ministry of Health English website.