Dangerous: Parents should be aware of the risk posed to their children by gel washing detergent capsulesHundreds 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 from health professionals about children being accidentally poisoned.
About 100 children under 14 are admitted to hospital each year because of poisoning by soaps and deodorants.
Last year, almost 200 inquiries were made about incidents involving Bold 2 in 1 and Ariel Liquitabs.
European safety information from manufacturer Procter & Gamble, which makes both products, says exposure to liquitabs may cause eye irritation, while prolonged exposure can irritate skin and ingesting the product may trigger vomiting.
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.
She said: 'We're worried because inquisitive toddlers can get into the boxes relatively easily and do find the capsules attractive. If toddlers then bite into the capsules, the concentrated chemicals can be harmful.'
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