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Single use laundry pods are readily available in many homes. Due to their bright colors, they have been mistaken for edible products (e.g. candy) by children.
A recent study reviewed 4652 laundry pod exposures from United Kingdom.
95.4% involved children aged < 5 years via oral route (89.7%).
- Asymptomatic: 1738 (37.4%)
- Minor symptoms: 2728 (58.6%)
- Moderate symptoms: 107 (2.3%)
- Severe symptoms: 19 (0.4%)
- Death: 1
Common symptoms in moderate/severe symptom groups, including fatality (n=127)
- Vomiting: 75
- Stridor: 34
- CNS depression: 22
- Keratitis/corneal damage: 21
- Coughing: 18
- Conjunctivitis: 13
- Hypersalivation: 12
- Foaming from the mouth: 11
- Hypoxemia: 11
Conclusion
- The majority of the laundry pod exposure occurs via oral route and result in no or minor symptoms
- Although rare, respiratory, GI and ocular effect can occur after laundry pod exposure.
References
Day R, Bradberry SM, Jackson G, et al. A review of 4652 exposures to liquid laundry detergent capsules reported to the United Kigndom National Poisons Information Service 2008 - 2018. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2019 Mar 20:1-8. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1590586. [Epub ahead of print]