Nine children were evacuated to Soroka Hospital last night (Thursday) due to carbon monoxide poisoning, as a result of burning coal in the house for heating.
Three children lost consciousness at the scene, but medical staff stabilized their condition.
Subsequently, the doctor was transferred to Assaf Hospital for treatment in a pressure cell to prevent long-term damage.
"Every winter we encounter many cases of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of domestic heating using fire inside the houses, as well as as a result of the installation of water heaters in a non-standard manner," says Dr. Michal Maimon, director of the Children's Hospital at Sorka Hospital.
"In the last two weeks, due to the cold weather, we have seen a large number of children with carbon monoxide poisoning. The poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea, vomiting to the point of unconsciousness, heart damage and even death."
Finally, he emphasized: "The use of coals or a fire for heating in a closed and unventilated space is dangerous. It is also important to mention that gas-based water heaters must be installed outside the bathroom."
According to the organization Before Child Safety, in the last decade, 15 children have died as a result of inhaling carbon.
In ten of the cases the children were from Bedouin society.
Orly Silvinger, CEO of the organization Before Child Safety, said: "It's hard to believe, but in 2022 in Israel there are families who are still heating their homes using coals or other improvised means.
We call on the state to take responsibility and ensure that all Israeli children have safe infrastructure, which will allow them to get through the winter in a safe and warm manner. "
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