The National Security Council (NSC) reported that preventable deaths are at a record high. They also point out that pubic awareness is lagging. A recent survey by the NSC documents the fact that many of us are unaware of some of the greatest risks to our lives. In fact, less than half of Americans (49%) believe we can eliminate most or all “accidental” deaths.
Should You Use Laundry Detergent Pods When You Have Children?
One question parents are not asking as often as they might is, “Should you use laundry detergent pods when you have children in the home?” Laundry detergent pods are the small plastic packets that are tossed into the washing machine to dissolve in the water. Similar detergent pods are also available for
use in dishwashers. Some contain soap. Some also contain bleach, spot removing chemicals, fabric softeners, and more. Detergent pods are very dangerous for children, especially those aged 5 and under.
These packets certainly seem attractive to young children.
- They are small in size.
- They are brightly colored.
- The plastic is shiny.
- They are the perfect size for young children to throw, stack, and put into their mouths.
These products have been around for several years now. Although they are convenient and they do a good job of cleaning, they can be very dangerous. In fact, the editors of Consumer Reports no longer recommend the use of these laundry detergent pods due to the health risks to children. Several of the companies that produce these detergent pods have responded by changing the packaging to make them less visible to children and less accessible to them. One article in Consumer Reports observed that the pods resemble fruit snacks and candy. [Read more…]
