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Laundry Detergent Pods Continue to Poison Children

July 29, 2014 — Consumer Reports is warning that thousands of children have been poisoned by laundry detergent pods.

Since the products were introduced in 2012, poison control centers have received 20,000 calls about incidents involving children under five years old. The single-use detergent packets closely resemble candy — they are small, sweet-smelling, and brightly-colored.

Unfortunately, they’re also toxic. According to Consumer Reports:

“The highly-concentrated detergents can cause severe symptoms, including excessive vomiting, lethargy, and gasping. In some cases, victims stopped breathing and required ventilation support.”

The big problem is the packaging. The original products were packaged in clear containers that resembled candy jars. The flimsy lids were easily opened by children. In recent years, most major retailers have changed the design. Costco’s Kirkland brand and Proctor & Gamble’s Tide Pods are now sold in opaque containers with child-resistant lids.

Parents of young children who purchase the products should keep them locked up in a high cabinet.

Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, skin burns, eye damage, coughing, choking, wheezing, abdominal pain, lethargy, seizure, and more. In most cases, symptoms occur rapidly.

Was Your Child Poisoned?

  • Call your local poison center as 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you think a child has been exposed to a packet of highly concentrated liquid laundry detergent.

Do I have a Laundry Detergent Pod Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting laundry detergent pod induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child or somebody you know has been poisoned, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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