Tide Pods Dangerously Appealing to Kids

Company redesigning detergent packets and packaging

Tide is making changes to its new detergent product since it's sickened hundreds of children.

Issues with Tide’s detergent Pods began about a month ago. The colorful, bright packaging appeals to children but doesn’t show how dangerous the Pods can be, and many children are putting the packets in their mouths.

Nationwide, almost 300 kids have consumed or come in contact with the highly concentrated liquid detergent. The effects are immediate: Vomiting, rashes, eye irritation and -- in extreme cases -- trouble breathing.

Dr. Cathleen Clancey of the National Capital Poison Control Center said the Pods have sickened four children in the D.C. metro area. The most common complaint has been burning eyes.

“We also had a case of a child who had a very red skin,” Clancey said. “Where the laundry detergent touched their skin, the parent washed them off very quickly but still they ended up with very reddened skin.”

It's not just the detergent packs that some people say attracts kids. The container is also appealing.

The makers of Tide have promised to create a new double latch lid on the jar and redesign the colored packets.

Procter and Gamble hopes to release the new design in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, the experts at Poison control say if your child comes in contact with the detergent, wash it out immediately and give Poison Control a call at 800-222-1222.

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