A consumer association warns of the dangerousness of certain laundry capsules which explode when pressure is exerted on them.
Convenient for parents, but dangerous for children. The UFC-Que Choisir alerts consumers in its latest issue on the dangers of certain pods of liquid detergent. Tests carried out by the association show that Leader Price brand capsules explode during safety tests. More than a third of the pods subjected to the stress test exploded.
However, since June 2015, European regulations have required manufacturers to manufacture capsules capable of withstanding compressions of less than 300 N, i.e. around 30 kg. The UFC-Que Choisir therefore immediately alerted the sign of this non-compliance and seized the repression of fraud. “In principle, these soluble doses have been withdrawn from sale and the brand is recalling,” said the association of consumers.
This regulation has been reinforced following numerous cases of intoxication of young children. The bright color of these little laundry balls attracts the little ones, who put them in their mouths. Between 2005 and 2012, the poison control and toxicovigilance centers recorded more than 7,500 accidents, including around 100 that resulted in serious complications.
Vulnerable under-5s
Not surprisingly, young children are by far the most affected. And while children under 5 represent 92% of cases, babies under one year old represent 7% of accidents. The main damage is digestive but also ocular.
Faced with the explosion in the number of accidents, in particular correlated with that of sales, the General Directorate of Health called on parents to be vigilant and reminded that these products must be placed at a height so as not to be within the reach of children. .
In addition, several manufacturers have been aware of these dangers and have implemented several measures. The boxes have become opaque and open much less easily, pictograms have also been affixed to encourage parents to be careful.
Wash immediately and with plenty of water
Children’s eyes are strained by the ultra-concentrated doses of detergent contained in the cartons. How to prevent the damage from being lasting? Why actor asked the question to general secretary of the National Union of French Ophthalmologists (SNOF).
What causes these eye burns?
Dr Lionel Leroy : These products are composed of water-soluble pods, which melt on contact with water. Most often, young children put them in the mouth, and the envelope melts under the effect of saliva. This results in secondary projections at eye level. The product has a basic pH, the products are alkaline. The damage affects the cornea and conjunctiva, causing burns.
How should parents act?
Dr Lionel Leroy : The action to be taken is to wash immediately with plenty of water, because in the medium and long term base burns are more dangerous for the eye than slightly acidic products. It is therefore necessary to wash with lukewarm water, at least 10 to 15 minutes. Then, it is mandatory to go to an ophthalmologist in an emergency center.
What consequences can arise?
Lionel leroy : Depending on the size of the projection, the epithelial cells on the surface of the conjunctiva and the cornea may be affected. If the burn is complete, it also destroys the stem cells in the limbus, which prevents tissue regeneration. This leads to a chronic corneal ulcer and it takes different treatments to cover the cornea. If there are no limbal stem cells left at all, a transplant should be considered, which is currently being done very well.
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