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Warnings about single-load laundry detergent pods and packs tend to focus on ingestion, which can lead to excessive vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory problems severe enough to require ventilation support. But another serious concern is corneal abrasion, which can occur when kids squeeze the packs and the concentrated detergent squirts into their eyes. A new study published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus looked at 10 such cases involving children under age 4.
In all 10 cases, the children had extremely bloodshot eyes and corneal abrasions. The report notes that the high level of surfactants in single-load detergents makes them more likely to cause injury when they come in contact with the eye. Some manufacturers have switched to child-resistant packaging, and they've made warnings on the labels more prominent. But these measures are voluntary, and not all manufacturers have taken them. So far this year, poison control centers have received nearly 9,000 calls concerning children age 5 and younger who have been exposed to detergent pods in some way.
As in the past, we continue to warn consumers to keep detergent pods out of the reach of young children. And if a child does ingest a pod, call the poison-control helpline immediately (800-222-1222).
When handled safely, detergent pods can be a convenient way to do the laundry. We've tested products from All, Gain, Kirkland, Tide, and more. Check our laundry detergent Ratings to see which ones do best on a variety of tough stains.
—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)
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