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]