UNDATED -- U.S. Comsumer Product Saftey Commission (CPSC) officials are warning parents to keep single-load laundry detergent packets away from children.
According to the CPSC website, if children are exposed to the ingredients in the packets they are at risk of serious injury. Some of the chemicals in some packets are toxic.
The CPSC warns parents and anyone who cares for children make sure the packets are locked away where children cannot reach them.
CPSC officials say keeping small children safe from these packets may be more difficult than for other cleaning products because they "are attractive to children as play items because they are soft
and colorful and they resemble familiar items like candy, toys and teething products."
So far this year, CPSC reports about 500 cases in which children and/or adults were injured by single-load detergent packets.
Symptoms can include "loss of consciousness, excessive vomiting, drowsiness, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing (some requiring intubation)."
If the detergent comes in contact with someone's eyes irritation, temporary loss of vision and even burns can occur.
