After Near Tragedy, Mother Warns of Poison Dangers at Home

Miriam Singer tells of the near tragedy her family experienced after her 18 month old son accidentally ingested paraffin oil and needed to be placed on a ventilator.

Miriam Singer still remembers the moment her world nearly collapsed. What began as an ordinary day turned into a harrowing one when she discovered that her 18 month old son had accidentally ingested paraffin oil and needed to be placed on a ventilator. Thankfully, the story ended in recovery, but it could have easily ended in tragedy. Her story is a chilling reminder of how quickly accidents can happen, especially during the high-intensity cleaning season before Pesach.

With Yom Tov right around the corner and families gearing up for intense cleaning, it is both a halachic and moral imperative to prevent accidental poisoning from household chemicals. Accidental poisonings are the fourth leading cause of preventable serious injury in children, according to the CDC. During this time of increased use of strong cleaning agents, vigilance is not optional—it is essential to protecting our children’s lives.

These accidents do not discriminate and our community is not immune.  “As parents, we don’t always realize how quickly common household products, cleaners, medications, and even items intended for mitzvos, can become life-threatening in the hands of a curious toddler” says Miriam.

Baruch Hashem, Eitan made a full recovery but others are not so fortunate. In 2018, a 4 year-old boy in Kiryas Joel tragically passed away from ingesting a household cleaning product. “No family should have to experience what we did. With greater awareness, education, and community support, these accidents can be dramatically reduced.”

A 2024 study by the U.S. Poison Centers found that most poisonings occur unintentionally at home, especially in children under six. Common culprits include household cleaners, medications, make-up, personal care products, and even plants.

According to Magen David Adom, the weeks leading up to Pesach are when Jewish households are at the highest risk for accidental poisoning and injuries. With kitchens scrubbed and cabinets emptied for thorough cleaning, children can easily come into contact with dangerous substances.

Team Protect, together with Miriam Singer, launched a Chemical Safety Campaign this week in honor of the 3rd anniversary of Eitan being discharged from the hospital.

Complete the Chemical Safety Checklist at StoreItSafe.org for a chance to win $500 while making your home safer for your family. As you prepare for Yom Tov, take a few minutes to go around your home to ensure that medications, cleaners and household chemicals are stored safely. A few simple precautions can prevent life-threatening accidents:

-Store chemicals safely: Keep cleaners, medications, and button batteries out of children’s reach, ideally in locked cabinets.

-Never mix products: Some household cleaner combinations produce toxic gases.

-Label and contain: Always keep products in their original containers; never transfer them to food or drink bottles.

-Child-resistant packaging: Use it whenever available and ensure caps are tightly secured.

-Emergency preparedness: Save the Poison Control number (U.S.: 1-800-222-1222) and call Hatzalah or 911 for any medical or breathing emergencies.

With Hashem’s help, we can prevent accidental poisonings and have a safe and Kosher Pesach.

For more guidance on keeping your home safe while cleaning, and for a chance to win $500 for locking away your medication, cleaners and chemicals, visit storeitsafe.org

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