Poison control centers issue warning on laundry detergent packets

Alexandria, VA – On May 17, the American Association of Poison Control Centers and experts representing 57 U.S. poison control centers released a warning (.pdf file) on the dangers of highly concentrated single-dose packets of laundry detergent, noting a recent spike in calls about child exposure to the product.

Children 2 and younger are especially at risk for ingesting the detergent, which – if swallowed – can result in serious illness that may require hospitalization. Ingesting this product can also cause skin and eye irritation, according to the advisory.

AAPCC recommends parents keep all detergents out of the reach of children and follow the disposal instruction on the product’s label. If a child is exposed, call your local poison control center at (800) 222-1222.