Liquid detergent capsules
Historically laundry detergents were available as powders or as liquids intended to be poured into a washing machine or dispenser. More recently, liquid detergent capsules, have become available. These sachets contain a liquid washing agent within a flexible container and are intended to be placed directly into the drum of a washing machine. Upon contact with water the flexible sachet breaks down releasing the contents.
Whilst these sachets are mechanically strong when dry, they can release their contents prematurely when they come into contact with moisture – for example, from water or a moist hand. Their contents are irritant and concern has been raised about their ability to cause local damage, especially damage to the eyes. In addition, some cases of children exposed to the contents of these sachets had been reported to the NPIS as having developed central nervous system depression unexpectedly.
In total, 3979 TOXBASE accesses were made during 2009/10. This is an increase over the previous year’s total of 3164, and more than double the number of accesses for these products five years ago.
In the prospective study of household cleaning product enquiries from UK physicians and other healthcare workers over a 14-month period, liquid detergent capsules were the most common product to which patients were exposed (647 enquiries). These exposures occurred most commonly as a result of ingestion (80%), with eye contact (10%) and skin contact (1%) being less frequent; 9% of enquiries involved multiple routes of exposure. The majority of enquiries (96%) concerned children of five years of age or less.
The eye was involved in 102 patients (106 enquiries); eye contact was the sole route of exposure in 60 of these patients and 92% were children aged five years or less. Features that developed following ocular exposure were conjunctivitis (34 cases), which was associated with eye pain in eight cases; eye irritation (16 cases); eye pain (21 cases); increased lacrimation (four cases); corneal ulceration (three cases), which was still present in one patient nine days after exposure; and blurred vision (two cases). In 28 cases no features were recorded. We attempted to follow up all these enquiries and to the best of our knowledge all ocular damage resolved.
Exposure to the contents of these sachets is a matter of concern due to their potential to cause eye damage and because of the reports of central nervous system depression following ingestion. Greater consumer awareness is required to reduce injuries of this kind. Parents also have a vital role to play in ensuring that these products are stored safely at all times.
Information from the NPIS Annual Report 2009/10
| What we advise on | General trends and changes | Household products | Household products - features | Liquid detergent capsules | Drugs of misuse | Medication errors | Antifreeze and screenwash products | Pharmaceutical products | Carbon monoxide | Lead exposure in pregnancy |