January 22, 2018

Laundry Detergent Pod ‘Challenge’ Risks to Teens

Talk to kids about these health risks

Laundry Detergent Pod 'Challenge' Risks to Teens

Laundry detergent pods, with their colorful, bright swirls, look like candy, so a young child might wonder if they taste like candy too. Parents know to keep these pods away from kids under age 5. What’s more surprising is a recent trend among some teens who are biting into the rounded pods as some kind of stunt or “challenge.”

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Experts say there is a rise in cases of teens deliberately putting the packets into their mouths, recording video and sharing it on the internet through social media.

As a result, the number of teens in need of medical treatment after such stunts is on the rise, according to a new report published by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Dares, challenges and stunts

There have been other such challenges, involving inhaling cinnamon, burning the skin with salt and ice and now biting into laundry detergent pods.

In the spirit of the dare, of pushing limits and challenging their peers, teens often don’t fully recognize the risks they are taking.

Health risks involved with laundry detergent pods

Pediatrician James Mandelik, MD, says that the laundry packets are made up of a highly concentrated formula that can do a lot of damage. Ingesting laundry pods can cause burns to the mouth and eyes, as well as more serious complications.

Advertisement

“These pods contain surfactants that help remove stains in laundry. But in the lungs, they can cause a person to have trouble breathing; they can cause the lungs to fill up with fluids and go into full-blown respiratory arrest,” Dr. Mandelik says.

Ingesting laundry pods has also been associated with the following:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Potentially death (if concentration is high enough)

How widespread is this problem?

Over the last five years, poison control centers have received more than 50,000 calls in connection with liquid laundry detergent pod exposures, with most of the events involving young children under age five.

Recently, the problem of teen injury due to ingesting laundry detergent pods has spiked. Poison control centers report that within the first few weeks of January, they have handled as many cases of intentional laundry detergent packet ingestion among teens as they would typically see in an entire year.

What parents can do

Dr. Mandelik says parents need to be vigilant if they have these items in their home, and they also need to have frank discussions with their older children.

Advertisement

“They aren’t putting laundry pods into their mouths by accident. They’re doing this on a dare,” he says.

He suggests talking to teens and letting them know about the seriousness of the risks.

“Let them know, say, ‘Hey, this is not a benign thing. It’s not just that you’re going to taste something bad, but you could harm yourself permanently or even kill yourself,’” he says.

He adds that people should act quickly if they suspect exposure. “If you find any person has misused a laundry detergent packet or any such concern, call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Related Articles

low set crib in baby's room
March 24, 2023
Signs It’s Time To Lower Your Baby’s Crib Mattress

There’s no magical age or height — it’s all a matter of your baby’s mobility

baby boy playing in walker
July 19, 2021
Are Infant Walkers Safe? Here’s What New Parents Need to Know

Thousands of head and neck injuries occur every year

An adult holds a child and feels their forehead
July 14, 2021
Should I Take My Child to the Emergency Room or Pediatrician?

Specific symptoms will warrant a trip to the emergency room

mother feeding baby sitting in high chair
November 9, 2020
7 Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe in a High Chair

How to avoid high chair accidents

Child doing online schooling on a laptop.
October 9, 2020
How Can I Keep My Kids Motivated and On-Task While They’re Distance Learning?

Ideas for keeping children engaged when school is happening at home

Lactose Intolerance
February 4, 2020
5 Can’t-Miss Signs That Your Child Is Lactose Intolerant

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of this digestive problem

Child uses iPad while laying on couch
February 4, 2019
Too Much Screen Time Harmful for Kids’ Development (Especially Those Under Age 5)

New study looks at the use of devices in preschoolers

How to Guide Your Children Through the Minefield of Sexting
April 16, 2018
How to Guide Your Children Through the Minefield of Sexting

Study shows practice is increasing among teens and tweens

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad