Dangers of Liquid Laundry Packets

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently provided an update on ongoing efforts to protect children from the dangers of single-load laundry packets. These packets contain highly concentrated chemicals and, according to the update, the CPSC has received about 1,230 reports of children being unintentionally injured by them.

Injuries can result from swallowing the packets or getting the chemicals in the eyes or on the skin. The update reports that companies are voluntarily taking steps to minimize the dangers by (1) supporting a voluntary consensus safety standard, (2) making the packets opaque to reduce their appearance as toys or candy, (3) including warning stickers and labels in multiple places on product containers, and (4) researching containers that are more difficult for children to open.

 

CPSC provides the following tips to keep children safe from these packets:

1. Read and follow package warnings and instructions;
2. Store the packets in their original containers and keep the containers closed, dry, and out of a child’s sight and reach; and
3. Do not take packets apart, leave loose packets around, or let children handle them.