Table 3 Exposure mechanism and context leading to an emergency department visit associated with detergent packet-related injuries and poisonings among children and youth 17 years of age and younger, CHIRPP, April 1, 2011–October 12, 2023 (N = 904)
Number of cases | Example narrative | |
|---|---|---|
Exposure mechanism | ||
Unintentional ingestion | 514 | Playing. Ingested [brand name] dishwasher pod. Vomit × 2 |
Squeezed/broke DP and contents got into eye/onto face or body | 292 | Squeezed laundry pod and it broke, laundry pod burst in face, chemical exposure to eyes |
Bit into DP and contents got into eye/onto face or body | 36 | Patient accidentally bit into a [brand name] laundry pod no ingestion but in squirted into L eye. Had L eye flushed. Eye still red and puffy with sticky yellow discharge and eye seems more sensitive to light |
DP contents on hands and touched eye/face | 28 | Crushed a [brand name] laundry pod and then rubbed her eye with her hands |
Intentional ingestion | 22 | a |
DP contents on bedding/clothing | 5 | Mother had [brand name] laundry pod in diaper bag and found it had exploded. Later changed baby with diaper that had been in same bag. Chemical burns to baby's lower back and thighs |
Unknown or not further specified | 7 | Playing with [brand name] laundry pod |
Context | ||
Playing | 420 | Playing at home and mom found patient eating dishwasher detergent pod |
Playing, with sibling/friend | 31 | Playing with her older sister when she was given a dishwasher pod and bit into it. Very small amount ingested |
Playing, DP left out/in reach | 27 | Bag of [brand name] laundry pods dropped floor baby got hold of one and bit into it |
Playing, got into cupboard | 21 | Playing at home, lock left open under kitchen sink and hold of dishwasher tab and ate some |
Playing, reached DP on table/counter/shelf | 14 | Patient pushed his chair up to a counter, got a hold of a [brand name] laundry detergent pod, popped pod, and got pod laundry detergent on his face and in his eyes |
Playing, NFS | 327 | Playing with [brand name] laundry pod, sprayed self in eye |
Doing laundry/cleaning (including helping parent) | 49 | Helping mom with washing and took the [brand name] laundry pod and decided to put it in her mouth. It exploded in her face |
Self-harm/suicide attempt | 22 | a |
Not specified | 413 | Bit on the detergent pod, not further specified |