04.25.16
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) released the following statement in response to a study in the journal Pediatrics reporting on child exposures to detergent packets:
“The most important message coming out of this study of exposures in 2013 and 2014 is reminding parents and caregivers that proper storage and handling of laundry packets during use is essential in preventing accidental exposures.
“Like any other household cleaning product, keep these packets out of the reach and sight of children. Always ensure the re-closable bag or container is tightly sealed after use and during storage and put them away immediately after use.
“In addition to our industry’s ongoing efforts to educate consumers on proper product safety and storage, manufacturers are implementing a series of packaging and labeling measures as part of a new international standard that will help reduce accidental exposures.
“The standard includes a menu of secure package closures designed to challenge the typical strength, mental acuity and/or dexterity of a young child. From this menu, manufacturers can choose a configuration that is effective at deterring child access while ensuring adults are able to open it and completely close it in between uses.
“Under the new guidelines, warnings and immediate first-aid instructions - if there is an accident - are being standardized and will be prominent on packages.
“The laundry packet standard also calls for changes to the packets themselves to deter accidents once a child has gained access to one: ensure packets withstand the squeezing pressure of a child; include a soluble film containing a bitter substance; and use a film that leads to the bitter substance being tasted before any liquid contents are released.”
“The most important message coming out of this study of exposures in 2013 and 2014 is reminding parents and caregivers that proper storage and handling of laundry packets during use is essential in preventing accidental exposures.
“Like any other household cleaning product, keep these packets out of the reach and sight of children. Always ensure the re-closable bag or container is tightly sealed after use and during storage and put them away immediately after use.
“In addition to our industry’s ongoing efforts to educate consumers on proper product safety and storage, manufacturers are implementing a series of packaging and labeling measures as part of a new international standard that will help reduce accidental exposures.
“The standard includes a menu of secure package closures designed to challenge the typical strength, mental acuity and/or dexterity of a young child. From this menu, manufacturers can choose a configuration that is effective at deterring child access while ensuring adults are able to open it and completely close it in between uses.
“Under the new guidelines, warnings and immediate first-aid instructions - if there is an accident - are being standardized and will be prominent on packages.
“The laundry packet standard also calls for changes to the packets themselves to deter accidents once a child has gained access to one: ensure packets withstand the squeezing pressure of a child; include a soluble film containing a bitter substance; and use a film that leads to the bitter substance being tasted before any liquid contents are released.”