Detergent capsules poison risk for children

Most conscientious parents know to keep medicines out of reach of children, but what about detergent capsules?

Last year, telephone inquiries about accidental child poisonings rose by 11%, says the Child Action Prevention Trust, including those for detergent capsules.

Detergent capsules have become increasingly popular in recent years. The reduced water content and packaging means they are economical to produce and transport, and for supermarkets and families they are easy to stock and to store.

They are also regarded as less wasteful in a environmentally conscious era.

But the liquid inside the gel capsules is more concentrated and can be more harmful to young children, the charity says. And the sight, smell and tactile nature of the brightly coloured capsules may make them especially appealing to younger children.

In addition to this, the storage containers are easily opened by small fingers and can cause harm to children's skin and eyes. Last year almost two hundred inquiries were about detergent capsules.

Katrina Phillips, chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, said: “Concentrated detergents have become popular for good reason. We’re worried because inquisitive toddlers can get into the boxes relatively easily and do find the capsules attractive. If toddlers then bite into the capsules, the concentrated chemicals can be harmful.

"While parents are generally aware of ‘under the sink’ hazards, this new generation of products may not have made it onto their safety radar screens yet.”

Storing household chemicals and products

• All household chemicals and cleaning products should out of sight and in cupboards with child-resistant locks

• Keep harmful substances out of reach – not under the sink or on the floor by the toilet

• If the phone rings while cleaning, don't forget to move cleaning products out of reach

• Try and buy household cleaning products with child-resistant caps but remember that this does not make them child-proof

• Look for detergents/cleaners with a bittering agent – this gives them a horrible taste and helps stop young children from swallowing them

• Remember that cigarettes, alcohol, perfume, aromatherapy oils and mouthwash can all be poisonous to children

• If in doubt, keep the product out of sight and out of reach

This article was published on Wed 11 November 2009