ACI: Using Single Unit Dose Detergents Safely

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May 23, 2012, 03:54 ET

-Products Should be Used as Directed, Stored Away from Children

-ACI Offers Online Safety Tips

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Cleaning Institute is strongly aligned with guidance issued by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) on keeping laundry detergents, including single unit dose packets of laundry detergent, out of the reach of children.

AAPCC issued a statement reminding parents and caregivers about safe use and storage of the new product form, after multiple poison control centers received reports of children accidentally ingesting unit dose laundry detergent packets.

Like many other household products, detergents need to be used as directed and safely and properly stored.

"Storage and supervision is a must when it comes to using any laundry detergent safely in the home," said Nancy Bock, ACI Senior Vice President of Education. "Manufacturers take product safety very seriously, which is why ACI continuously partners with poison control centers to provide common sense information and tips to families nationwide."

"Parents and caregivers play a huge role in safe use and storage of these new, easy-to-use single unit dose detergent products," added Bock.

ACI shared some important reminders to ensure a safe laundry routine with the single unit dose detergents:

Keep laundry products out of the reach of children and pets.
Remember to keep products in their original container with the original label intact, close the packaging after each use, and immediately put them away in a secure location after use.
Handle the unit dose packets with dry hands.

ACI has updated online information on properly and safely using the new single unit dose detergents: 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