Have you ever thought about the everyday items that could pose hidden dangers to kids? Learn how to protect children from dishwasher pods!
A former paramedic turned child safety advocate, Ross Smith, is sounding a vital alarm for parents regarding the potential dangers lurking in their homes – dishwasher pods and powders.
Smith, the founder of Safer Little Steps, a platform dedicated to educating parents on home safety for children, recently took to TikTok to share critical safety tips.
How To Protect Children from Dishwasher Pods?
“Dishwashing tablets and dishwashing powder are extremely hazardous to children,” Smith emphasizes. “They contain a caustic-type substance that, when ingested or chewed, can lead to foaming, causing burns in the mouth, airway, and digestive tract. These items are extremely dangerous and should be kept out of reach.”
One of the primary concerns is that dishwasher pods, with their small size and candy-like appearance, can easily tempt curious children. Smith insists that parents should go beyond simply storing these products in a cupboard and opt for additional precautions like locking them away.
However, accidents can still occur, and in such cases, prompt action is crucial. Smith advises parents on what steps to take if a child gains access to dishwasher pods or powders.
“If the child has ingested a significant amount, causing excessive foaming in their mouth, place them on their side, attempt to remove the foam, call emergency services, and follow the instructions provided by the call taker. They will guide you on managing the emergency effectively.”
According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, household cleaning items rank among the six most common substances involved in child poisoning incidents, alongside vitamins, antihistamines, over-the-counter pain medications, foreign objects, and prescription medications.
Tragically, poisoning is the third leading cause of “unintentional injury death” among individuals aged 1 to 19, as reported by SafeKids.org.
The gravity of this issue is exacerbated by the concerning trend that emerged in 2018 when teenagers dared each other to consume laundry pods as part of a dangerous social media challenge. Jane Miloradovich, a specialist in the poison control center at CHOP, strongly advises parents to treat household cleaning substances as “potentially dangerous poisons” and to avoid using them when children are present.
This warning comes in the wake of new research shedding light on the potential hazards associated with everyday household products, including air fresheners, bleach, and oven cleaners.
Some of these products contain chemicals linked to serious health concerns such as cancer, hormone imbalances, and respiratory problems, underscoring the importance of not only safeguarding children against immediate dangers but also being aware of potential long-term health risks posed by common household items.
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