Trust warns of hazards detergent gel capsules pose to children

London: Hundreds of children are being accidentally poisoned by detergent capsules, warn experts.

Many needed emergency hospital treatment for serious burns to the skin, eyes and throat when they bit or pierced the brightly coloured liquid capsules.

Concentrated cleaners and detergents under the sink pose a risk to children that many parents are unaware of, according to the Child Accident Prevention Trust. It says gel capsules containing concentrated liquid with high levels of chemicals are hazardous to children, but they are rarely sold in child-resistant boxes.

The trust said there was an 11 per cent rise last year in calls for advice about children being accidentally poisoned. About 100 children under 14 are admitted to hospital each year because of poisoning by soaps and deodorants.

Trust chief executive Katrina Phillips said concentrated products were popular because they cut costs for manufacturers, retailers and customers. But the sight, smell and the tactile nature of the laundry detergent capsules made them attractive to children.