Detergents available in the market in small and single dose packets may be beneficial and convenient to parents, but it can prove to be fatal for small children.
Health experts, after analyzing the hidden risks associated with the detergent packets popular among majority of parents across the country, point out the recent increase in the number of children being rushed to hospitals after mistaking the colorful and soft liquid detergent capsules for candies and swallowing them.
The contents of the liquid detergent tablets -strong alkaline cleaning agents- can be harmful as it destroys tissue and paves the way for intense inflammation and swelling.
The analysis published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found five cases happening within a period of 18 months. All the five children, below two years were treated in Glasgow emergencies after experiencing a blockage in the airway.
"Dishwasher and washing machine liquitabs are now a common finding in most homes, but unfortunately, seem very attractive to young children due to their bright colouring and soft sweetie-like texture," the authors were quoted as writing in a news release. "We feel that the increasing trend in liquid detergent capsule ingestion poses a significant public health issue."
Though health practitioners could save all the five children, the authors of the study urge the concerned authorities to make necessary changes -improving the safety warnings and childproofing packaging - to avoid any such future incidents.
"This is an increase over the previous year's total and more than double the number of enquiries made for these types of products 5 years ago," the authors wrote. "To help prevent future potentially life threatening injuries, improved safety warnings and childproof packaging are urgently required."
Earlier this year, in May, American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) released a warning notice after finding the laundry detergents posing high risks to toddlers.
The common symptoms that children develop after inadvertently taking the poison range from wheezing, vomiting and sometimes requiring artificial ventilators.
Following are some recommendations from the AAPCC to ensure the safety of children:
- Lock and keep the detergents out of the reach of small children
- Read and follow the instructions provided on the product label
- Dial 1-800-222-1222 (local poison center ) when a child swallows or shows symptoms of being exposed to the detergent packet
