Laundry detergent pods exploding in kids' throats

[Hum]

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -- Laundry detergent pods have only been available for a few years, but the instances of poisonings have surged, including a 13-month-old Minnesota girl who just spent a week in the intensive care unit

Little Zoe didn't understand that the blue detergent pod she swallowed was not a blueberry, like the ones she was eating earlier. The packet exploded down her throat, making her vomit and burning her airway.

?All I wanted to do is take the pain away from her,? Zoe's mom said. ?You can't explain this is going to make you better. If you just sit still and let them do the medicine, that it will make you better. But she doesn't understand that.?

Poison control centers have seen a spike in packet detergent cases. Last month set a record with 50 children poisoned from the pods, with burns to the throat and stomach. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, but officials say the packets are particularly attractive and harmful to kids.

In a statement, a spokesperson said Sam's Cub takes this seriously. They have transitioned away from transparent tubs, but still need to address issues like a more difficult lid, which will come out next month.

As for Zoe, after spending several days in ICU, her throat is scarred and her voice is hoarse, but she seems to be on the mend.

Dishwasher pods are also toxic, but for some reason poison control doesn't see the same number of poisoning cases from these. All detergent containers should be kept out of reach from children.

source

[xendrome]

There is harmful stuff all over your house and you pick these items up and store them securely from your children. Sounds like parents need to do a better job at securing these detergent pods just as securely as their kitchen knives and other harmful chemicals around the house. There is NO ONE else to put the blame on here, the kids don't know any better and the laundry detergent maker can't send a rep to your house to live with you and police your children.

[Skiver Veteran]

Whilst I support the companies taking steps to introduce more child friendly packaging, why are these children having such easy access to things in the first place? I remember when I we had our daughter, one of the first steps that were taken was to "baby proof" cupboards etc that could be accessed to stop her getting into places no matter what was stored inside and they were pretty effective. Once again, people finding a way to blame someone else for their own mistakes IMO.

[Hum]

Even I wasn't this dumb, as a kid. :p

[Mr. Gibs]

There is harmless stuff all over your house and you pick these items up and store them securely from your children. Sounds like parents need to do a better job at securing these detergent pods just as securely as their kitchen knives and other harmful chemicals around the house. There is NO ONE else to put the blame on here, the kids don't know any better and the laundry detergent maker can't send a rep to your house to live with you and police your children.

I think you meant harmful lol.

But yes, why the hell would you put things like laundry detergent in an area where a kid can get to?

People like this are the reason why we have 6 billion warning labels on everything nowadays.

[Dick Montage]

I am a single guy who doesn't have any kids.  Even I put these things outside the average reach!  FFS!

[+Warwagon MVC]

I am a single guy who doesn't have any kids.  Even I put these things outside the average reach!  FFS!

 

same, but I have niece and nephews and have female friends with kids, so while my house isn't child proof in the least, I do put this sort of stuff on the 2nd shelf above my washer in the basement.

 

As for the girl... 13 MONTHS OLD??!!?!?!?

 

where were these detergent balls laying on the ######ing floor? Or can she climb at 13 months? Jesus christ parents!!!

 

As for these detergent balls, save money and just buy them in the jugs.