Laundry Detergent Packs Pose a Risk to Young Children

Back in 2013 we wrote a blog on the risks of colorful laundry detergent packs to children (You can read the blog here). Unfortunately, these laundry packs are still a concern to children. In 2016, through April 30, poison centers received 3,795 exposure calls involving these highly concentrated packets of laundry detergent by children 5 and younger in the United States.

These single-dose detergent capsules have a candy-like appearance and consist of a highly concentrated liquid that dissolves when in contact with water.   Due to their colorful nature, they are attractive to children and can become a danger to young children in the home.



Example of Laundry Packs and How
Similar they look to Candy

If a child were to put the laundry detergent pack into his/her mouth, it could cause the packet to burst.  This can result in the child becoming ill and possibly even needing hospitalization. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), some children who have gotten the product in their mouths have had excessive vomiting, wheezing and gasping. Some get very sleepy while others have had breathing problems serious enough to need a ventilator to help them breathe.  There have also been reports of corneal abrasions (scratches to the eyes) when the detergent gets into a child’s eyes.

According to poison control officials, there has already been at least two fatalities from the ingestion of these laundry packs. They can be very dangerous for children and poison officials are urging parents of young children to avoid using the packets. By following the tips below, parents can eliminate the worry of their children ingesting them.

Here are some tips on how to keep these out of your child’s reach:

-       Keep detergent locked up, out of sight and out of their reach.

-       Always follow instructions on a product label.

-       If the doorbell or phone rings when you’re using the detergent pods, take them with you or put them out of the child’s reach first. Don’t turn your back on a child when any poisonous product is nearby. Most poisonings occur when the product is in use.

-       If you think your child has been exposed to any laundry detergent, but especially the highly concentrated laundry detergent packs, call your local poison center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. 

For more information on these laundry detergent packs, please visit http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/laundry-detergent-packets/ or call 1-800-222-1222.