ACI Response to CPSC Alert on Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets: Education is the Key to Prevention of Injuries

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Nov 20, 2012, 04:38 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reiterating the need to follow proper usage and storage practices when handling laundry detergents, including single-load liquid laundry packets, in a new alert issued by the agency, according to the American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org).

"All laundry and cleaning products should be kept out of sight and out of the reach of children," said Nancy Bock, ACI Senior Vice President of Education.

"We agree that it is important to reiterate the messages for parents and caregivers on the steps they can take to keep detergent out of reach of children. Education is the key to prevention of injuries."

ACI reminds consumers of these safety steps when using single-load laundry packets:

Do NOT let children handle laundry packets.
Keep the liquid laundry packets sealed in their original packaging, and make sure they are kept out of a child's sight and reach.
If swallowed or exposed to the eye, immediately call your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

In addition to the precautions stated on the labels, detergent manufacturers are intensifying efforts to raise awareness of the simple steps that can help prevent accidental exposure to laundry detergent packets.

These awareness-raising initiatives include messages in TV commercials, on-line advertising, print advertising, signage in retail stores, and information on product websites, along with "keep out of reach of children" icons on product packaging.

ACI Information for Consumers

ACI is continuing its educational efforts by hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, December 5 on safe laundry practices. You can register for that webinar at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/727256722/aci_webinar_better_laundry_practices.

ACI also has online consumer information on properly and safely using and storing the detergent packets: www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/laundry.aspx.

ACI also has tips on general laundry room safety available at www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/doing_laundry_the_safe_way.aspx

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI - formerly The Soap and Detergent Association) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.

SOURCE American Cleaning Institute