Laundry Detergent Packet Warning Issued

The Wyoming Poison Center is warning parents of small children about the danger posed by laundry detergent packets.

Spokeswoman Joan McVoy says poison centers across the country have seen an increase in reports of children either biting into the pods or getting the detergent in their eyes.

Because of the packets colorful appearance some children mistake them for candy.

McVoy says nationally at least 800 young children had to be hospitalized in 2012-2013 due to the packets.Children who bite into the packets can become very ill and require hospitalization, while the enclosed detergent can also cause severe eye irritation

.McVoy says the packets should always be kept locked up and out of reach of children and pets. She also says the containers holding the packets should always be re-sealed immediately after use, adding you don't have to cut open the individual packets before using them because they are designed to dissolve in water.

McVoy says if a child is exposed to the detergent you can call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. 24/7 with questions.