ACI: LIQUID LAUNDRY PACKET SAFETY STANDARD IS WORKING

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) issued the following response to a new study – published in the journal Pediatrics – that examined calls to poison control centers related to accidental exposures to liquid laundry packets:

"The consensus safety standard designed to help reduce accidental exposures to liquid laundry packets among children under six years old is working.

"As the number of people who are using liquid laundry packets has significantly increased, accidents are disproportionately decreasing. The data show an overall 53 percent decrease in accident rates among children under 6 years old and an 86 percent decrease in major accidents among children under 6 years old."

"The absolute number of calls – or in terminology used by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 'accidental exposures' – to poison control centers have been on a continuous decline since the industry wide adoption of the 2015 ASTM standard on liquid laundry packets.

"The American Cleaning Institute and other organizations continually remind parents and caregivers to keep liquid laundry packets up and out of the reach of children and other individuals who should not access these products, such as those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

"ACI’s Packets Up campaign (www.PacketsUp.org) showcases important laundry safety reminders for parents and caregivers throughout the year and signifies the unwavering commitment by manufacturers of liquid laundry packets to help consumers create healthy and effective laundry habits, while ensuring a safe home environment for their families.

"ACI and our detergent manufacturer members look forward to continuing the collaborative process to keep children safe and we are proud of the continued progress made in reducing exposures."

Key Information for Senior Caregivers: If you are caring for an individual who shows the signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, all cleaning products, including laundry detergents, should be stored in a locked cabinet or a closet. For more information, please view ACI’s safety tips for caregivers: www.cleaninginstitute.org/caregiver-tips/.