Cleaning and Disinfecting Safely: Avoiding Chemical Exposure in Childcare Settings Fatality File

Daycare Center ‘Mistakenly’ Served Bleach Solution to Children

A prestigious daycare in New York City was closed indefinitely after children were accidentally served a diluted bleach cleaning solution instead of water during a snack time.

The incident occurred on October 27 when a staff member mistakenly filled a water pitcher with a cleaning solution — made of water mixed with a small amount of bleach — that was normally used for sanitizing toys.

The daycare, located in Columbus Circle, serves preschool-aged children.

A teacher drank from the pitcher and noticed the mistake, after which poison control was contacted and the local health department shut down the preschool program due to exposure to a toxic chemical.

Bright Horizons Daycare, the operator of the facility, stated that children’s safety is a priority but acknowledged the accident.

The closure came months after three former employees were charged with alleged child abuse at the same center, adding to concerns from parents and observers about the facility’s safety practices.

Source: https://people.com