According to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, detergent packets – which often come in flashy, candy-like colors and designs – can pose a serious poisoning risk to young children; between 2012 and 2013, over 17,000 children were exposed to these pods nationwide

The Minnesota Poison Control System has reported that there were 49 detergent packet related cases in 2012, 349 cases in 2013, 352 cases in 2014, and 42 cases so far this year; a 2014 incident landed one Minnesota toddler in intensive care for over a week

WASHINGTON, DC – With poisonings from detergent packets on the rise, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) cosponsored legislation to address safety concerns and protect children. According to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, detergent packets – which often come in flashy, candy-like colors and designs – can pose a serious poisoning risk to young children. Between 2012 and 2013, over 17,000 children were exposed to these pods nationwide. The Minnesota Poison Control System has reported that there were 49 detergent packet related cases in 2012, 349 cases in 2013, 352 cases in 2014, and 42 cases so far this year. A 2014 incident landed one Minnesota toddler in intensive care for over a week.

“Detergent packets are a big convenience and time-saver for families, but we need to make sure they aren’t putting our kids at risk of poisoning,” Klobuchar said. “These flashy, bite-sized packets may look like candy to young children, but they can cause serious physical harm when swallowed. We’ve seen an alarming uptick in poisoning cases involving detergent packets in recent years, and we need to take action to ensure they come with the same commonsense safety measures and warnings that are standard practice on other household products.”

The Detergent Poisoning and Child Safety Act, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), would require the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to set mandatory safety standards for easily accessible liquid detergent packets, which expose thousands of children each year to caustic chemicals.  Specifically, the bill would give the CPSC the authority and direction to issue rules requiring safer, child-resistant packaging for liquid detergent packets within eighteen months compelling industry to implement stronger and more effective policies that address:

  • Child-proof packaging for the container holding liquid detergent packets;

  • Design and color of the packets to make them less appealing to children;

  • Composition of packets to make consequences of exposure less severe; and

  • Proper warning labels that adequately inform consumers of the potential risks. 

 

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