To a small child, gel or liquid washing detergent capsules look a lot like sweets or teethers – all soft, shiny, squidgy and brightly coloured. But if you swallow one, bite into one or even pop it in your hands, you risk poisoning or serious burns to the skin, eyes and throat.
What if my child eats a washing pod?
If a child has ingested content of a liquid laundry detergent capsule, a little or a lot, with or without apparent health effects, always call the poison control centre or seek medical advice. Quite likely, ingesting the detergent will make your child vomit.
Why you shouldn't use laundry pods?
The pods are problematic to adults too. They can squirt into the mouth or eyes if punctured. And because of the high detergent concentration with low dissolving results, they're leaving more residue on your clothing, towels, and bedding – causing rashes and other skin reactions.
What chemicals are in Tide Pods?
Formula Contains: Water, MEA-LAS (Cleaning Agent), MEA-Laureth Sulfate (Cleaning Agent), Propylene Glycol (Solvent), MEA Salts Of C12 18 Fatty Acids (Suds Reducer), Glycerine (Solvent), PEI Ethoxylate (Cleaning Agent), C12-16 Pareth (Cleaning Agent), PEG-136 Polyvinyl Alcohol (Soil Release Polymer), Dipropylene Glycol ...
How does basic alkaline laundry pods affect the body?
The alkaline pH of the highly concentrated liquid can cause immediate irritation in the mouth and vomiting, Anderson says. When the pod ruptures upon the first bite, it can also get in the eyes and cause burning or abrasions.
26 related questions foundCan you break open Tide Pods?
Do not cut laundry pods open. The detergent is super concentrated so can irritate your skin. They dissolve in water so there's no need to cut or tear them open. If you need to hand wash clothes, use a regular liquid or powder detergent.
Can you touch the inside of a tide pod?
The surface coating dissolves with moisture, so if a child touches it with the tongue, it dissolves. If a little hand is squeezing the pod, the liquid squirts into the mouth. This can also cause the child to cough and breathe the liquid detergent into the lungs.
Are Tide Pods acidic or basic?
TIDE PODS ARE CAUSTIC ALKALIS
Laundry detergent pods are included in the category of alkaline caustic ingestions. Alkaline agents typically cause mucosal injury if the pH is above 11.5 – 12.5. Laundry detergent isn't usually that alkaline, but the more concentrated form in pods can be.
Is powdered Tide toxic?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, exposure to this compound can cause eye and nose irritation, kidney problems, and possible long-term lung damage.
What happens to the plastic in Tide Pods?
Plastic detergent pods that can be tossed into the washing machine or dishwasher are encapsulated in water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol. When the machine turns on, the pod's outer casing dissolves, freeing the soap within, and the PVA goes down the drain.
Are Tide Pods harmful to skin?
Topical exposure of a ruptured detergent pod may cause chemical burns to the eyes and skin. Eyes are particularly sensitive to the chemical irritation of the detergent pod contents. Plus, breaking open a pod under pressure can release and propel the contents into the eye.
