Child Safety Alert: How to Prevent Accidents with Dishwasher Pods

By Louise Lane , Parent Herald Sep 21, 10:23 am

Photo: (Photo : JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)

Ross Smith, once a paramedic and now the driving force behind Safer Little Steps, an organization dedicated to promoting child safety within homes, has recently turned the spotlight on a silent household threat: dishwasher pods and powders. Through a candid TikTok video, Smith endeavors to inform parents about the hidden dangers these commonplace kitchen items pose when they land in the hands of unsuspecting children.

Caustic Components Masked as Candy

In his video, Smith firmly states, "Dishwashing tablets and dishwashing powder are not just harmful; they're extremely hazardous to children." This grave assertion stems from the caustic materials that these pods contain. To a child's innocent eye, the bright colors and compact shape of these pods can easily be mistaken for candy or small toys. But when bitten, they produce foam. Smith warns, "This isn't any ordinary foam. It has the potential to inflict burns-from the inside of the mouth, through the airway, and right down the esophagus leading to the stomach. The danger they pose can't be stressed enough."

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Appreciating the allure these pods might present to kids, Smith's advice to parents and caregivers is crystal clear: Always ensure these dishwashing supplies are stored well beyond a child's reach. Even if they are tucked away inside cupboards or behind cabinet doors, it's prudent to add an extra layer of security by locking them up.

But what should one do in the unfortunate event of a child ingesting these hazardous substances? Smith, drawing from his wealth of experience, provides a step-by-step guide: "If you find the child with a mouth full of foam, indicating they've consumed the pod contents, lay them on their side immediately. Try to gently clear out as much foam as possible, and without delay, call emergency services. Adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the emergency responder, as these initial moments can be crucial."

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) joins the chorus in warning about these household dangers. They report that cleaning items, like dishwasher pods, sit prominently among the top six substances that commonly poison children. This list is rounded out by other everyday items such as vitamins, antihistamines, over-the-counter pain relievers, foreign objects, and prescription medications. More disturbingly, statistics from SafeKids.org show that poisoning is now the third leading cause of "unintentional injury death" for individuals between the ages of 1 and 19.

A Disturbing Social Media Trend

Adding fuel to the fire was a reckless social media trend from 2018, where teenagers, in a bid for online fame, dared each other to consume these laundry pods. This trend not only highlighted the direct risks these pods present but also underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns and the crucial role they play in safeguarding our communities.

Jane Miloradovich, a seasoned specialist at CHOP's poison control center, echoes Smith's concerns with an even more urgent tone. She categorically states that parents must regard all cleaning agents, not just dishwasher pods, as "potentially lethal poisons." Her strong recommendation for adults is to be hyper-aware when using these substances, especially when young ones are around.

In conclusion, as households worldwide continue to use colorful, compact cleaning agents for their convenience, it's of paramount importance for all adults-parents, guardians, and even visitors-to remain vigilant and informed. By ensuring proper storage and cultivating awareness of potential hazards, we can go a long way toward ensuring the safety of our youngest and most vulnerable family members.