***Story originally aired July 22, 2013***
Laundry detergent pods are a convenient way to do your laundry. There is no guesswork or measuring, but the colourful pods can also pose a danger to young children.
Poison control centers in the U.S. have received more than 9,500 reports of children five and under coming in contact with, or ingesting pods since early 2012. Kids are naturally drawn to the product because of its candy-like packaging. Because it is water-soluble, once a child puts a pod in their mouth it starts to dissolve.
The pods from Tide and Costco’s Kirkland Signature are top performers in Consumer Reports’ cleaning tests, but their easy access is a real safety concern.
Procter and Gamble, maker of Tide Pods, told Consumer Reports that it is addressing the problem by phasing out its clear plastic containers. That’s expected to happen by the end of the year. But the company says it has no plans to phase out Tide’s easy-open pouch, which some consumers prefer.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Pacs also come in clear containers. They look a lot like those used for snack food, and they’re easy to open, too.
In August, Costco introduced an opaque container. But a child-deterrent lid won't be available until early next year.
The bottom line is it’s really important to keep all detergent out of the reach of curious children.
If a small child ingests one of these pods, it can lead to excessive vomiting and has caused some victims to stop breathing. The pods can also cause serious eye injuries.
If you suspect your child has come into contact with a detergent pod, call the B.C. Poison Control Centre 24-hour hotline immediately, at 1-800-567-8911.
