Headline: What to do immediately if your child ingests a laundry pod
Laundry pods are small, colorful and look like candy to kids. Ingesting these highly concentrated detergent packets can cause serious health problems such as respiratory distress, seizures and even death. If your child has eaten a laundry pod, it’s critical that you take immediate action to minimize any potential damage. Here’s what you should do.
Headline: Call 911 or your local emergency number
If you suspect that your child has ingested a laundry pod, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Emergency responders can advise you on the next steps to take based on your child’s age and the severity of the symptoms. They may direct you to induce vomiting if the ingestion occurred within the last hour or so.
Headline: Do not induce vomiting without medical advice
Unless advised by medical professionals, do not attempt to induce vomiting in your child. Vomiting can cause more harm than good, especially if the child aspirates. In addition, if the chemicals in the laundry pod were to get into the lungs, this could cause respiratory distress and even trigger a seizure. Follow the advice of the medical professionals you speak with.
Headline: Keep the laundry pod container and any remaining pods away from children
Store your laundry detergent pods and any other household hazard products out of sight and out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Use child-proof containers for all cleaning products, and do not store them on low shelves or in cabinets that are easy for children to access. Always keep hazardous materials in their original containers with the lids tightly secured.
Headline: Seek medical attention immediately
If your child has ingested a laundry pod, seek immediate medical attention, even if they seem fine. Symptoms can appear within minutes or hours after ingestion and can range from mild to life-threatening. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better the outcome is likely to be. Follow all advice given by medical professionals carefully.
