“Two seconds, that’s all it took. Two seconds,” said Jodi Lowe, the mother of a young girl who was badly burned when the contents of a washing machine capsule got into her eyes after she bit it.
The burns to her eyes were very serious, and she required surgery.
Washing machine capsules (also known as laundry pods or capsules) pose a serious risk when left exposed, especially to children and vulnerable adults.
Their colorful, squishy appearance makes them attractive and easy to mistake for candy or toys, but their contents are highly toxic and concentrated.
Key Dangers
Severe Poisoning: The detergent inside laundry pods is five times more potent compared to standard powder detergent. Consumption of even a tiny quantity can trigger severe life-endangering symptoms, including persistent vomiting and breathing challenges as well as seizures, which might lead to respiratory failure and coma, with death occurring in uncommon situations.
Chemical Burns: Contact with skin or eyes, or ingesting liquid from a pod can lead to severe chemical burns. Exposure to the liquid can cause permanent eye damage and potential blindness.
Choking and Airway Swelling: Consuming a pod causes throat swelling and choking, which can lead to coughing and may necessitate immediate emergency medical care.
Hospitalizations and Fatalities: Every year, thousands of children encounter laundry pods, which lead to hundreds needing hospital care, and some situations ending in death
Who Is Most at Risk?
Young Children: Most incidents involve children under six, particularly toddlers who explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths.
Cognitively Impaired Adults: Adults with dementia or cognitive impairments may mistake pods for food, leading to accidental ingestion8.
What To Do in Case of Exposure
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical help or call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Skin or Eye Contact: Rinse the affected area with water for several minutes and seek medical attention.
Provide Information: Be ready to tell medical staff when the exposure happened, symptoms, and the brand of pod involved.
Conclusion
The exposed washing machine capsules present a critical danger due to their potent chemical composition and appealing designs. Ingesting these capsules or coming into contact with their contents can cause severe injury or even be fatal to the skin or eyes. It is imperative to store these capsules securely, out of reach of children and vulnerable adults. If exposure occurs, contact medical services immediately without delay!
