American Cleaning Institute and its manufacturer members remain very concerned about reported cases involving children accidentally ingesting laundry detergent packets, trade group says in response to CDC report

Nevin Barich

WASHINGTON , October 19, 2012 (press release) – The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) and its manufacturer members remain very concerned about reported cases involving children accidentally ingesting laundry detergent packets. Children’s safety and the safety of all who use our products remains a top priority.

Manufacturers are closely examining incident reports and other details associated with these reports to better understand the circumstances involved.

ACI has been in regular contact with poison control centers and safety officials and are cooperating with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as it gathers information on the reported incidents.

We welcome the information in the new report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention which provides additional data and perspective on a number of the reported incidents.

Perhaps the most important statement contained in the CDC report is this:

"Parents and caregivers should keep laundry detergent pods, as well as other household cleaning products, out of reach and out of sight of children."

ACI urges parents and caregivers to give due attention to how they handle all cleaning products – safe storage and a watchful eye when products are being used are key to prevention of injury when using these products.

In addition to the precautions stated on the labels, the industry is intensifying efforts to raise awareness of the simple steps that can help prevent accidental exposure to laundry detergent packets.

These awareness-raising initiatives include messages in TV commercials, on-line advertising, print advertising, signage in retail stores, and information on product websites, along with "keep out of reach of children" icons on product packaging.

Re-emphasizing the safe and proper use of laundry detergent packets is paramount, as these products are used every week by millions of consumers. They provide the convenience of a premeasured quantity of detergent, making it easier for busy parents and caregivers to do home laundry. They also help consumers who are visually impaired or may experience limited physical dexterity.

The American Cleaning Institute has online consumer information on properly and safely using and storing the detergent packets: www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/laundry.aspx.

ACI also has tips on general laundry room safety available at www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/doing_laundry_the_safe_way.aspx.

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The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.

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