Detergent packets pose a risk for child poisoning every year. Each month, of detergent packet poisonings are reported. While convenient for busy households, these packets are so concentrated and dissolve so quickly, they can cause more severe injuries than standard laundry detergent.
鈥淟aundry packets are commonly used in the home,鈥 says Sherrie Pace of the . 鈥淲hile people see them as a convenient way to simplify tasks, use caution if you have young children in the home.鈥
Signs of Poisoning
Ingestion of a can cause:
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Gasping
- Lethargy
There have also been reports of corneal abrasions (scratches to the eye) when a detergent packet gets into a child鈥檚 eye. Detergent can burn the skin around the eye as well as the eye itself.
Parents shouldn鈥檛 wait for symptoms to occur before calling for help. 鈥淐all the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) right away,鈥 Pace says. 鈥淭here are specialists who can help 24 hours a day.鈥
Poisonings Among Adults
Children aren鈥檛 the only ones at risk of poisoning. recommends keeping detergent packets away from older adults who are cognitively impaired. Ingestion among this group can also have serious and life-changing consequences. Powdered or liquid soap is safer to use in these households.
Prevention Tips
The best way to protect kids from the dangers associated with detergent packets is to avoid having them in your home or to keep them somewhere that isn鈥檛 accessible to children.
Follow to keep you and your family safe.
- Keep detergent containers closed, sealed, and stored up high, out of sight and reach of children.
- Never allow children to handle laundry packets.
- Follow instructions on the product label.
- Do not touch the packets with wet hands.
- Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if your child has come into contact with detergent packets.
鈥淜eep the product up and out of the reach of children,鈥 Pace says. 鈥淎lso, keep the packets in their original container. They are attractive to kids and look like candy, so keeping them out of sight is important.鈥
When to Call Poison Control
If your child bites into a detergent packet, remove it and wash the child鈥檚 mouth, face, and hands. Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
If the contents of a packet come into contact with a child鈥檚 eye, rinse the eye with water and call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.