Ingestion of dishwashing detergent occurs more often especially to young children. Once toddlers learn how to crawl, they can reach cupboards that contain these detergents. Always bear in mind that small children are more likely to confuse a bottle of dishwashing detergent for a baby bottle. With this in mind, it is important to store these products properly and must be out of reach of children due to the potential dangers that they pose.
It is important to note that there are certain ingredients present in dishwashing detergents that can be poisonous. The number of accidental poisoning typically involves children from ages 1 to 5 years old.
Sodium carbonate
Even though sodium carbonate is not highly toxic, ingestion large amounts can lead to the manifestation of symptoms. If this scenario occurs, the long-term effects even death is likely to occur if the individual is not given emergency care and aggressive forms of treatment. Always bear in mind that this is true if an infant or young child consumes a dishwashing detergent by accident. If a child consumes any amount of sodium carbonate, you have to bring him/her to the emergency department at the nearest hospital right away so that appropriate treatment measures can be provided.
Potassium carbonate
A well-known effect of potassium carbonate is respiratory tract infection and can be harmful once swallowed. It can also cause skin and eye irritation and even burns. If potassium carbonate is ingested, it can cause severe digestive tract irritation with possible burns.
It simply means that if this chemical is consumed in large amounts, it can burn the digestive tract chemically. Once you suspect that an individual has consumed potassium carbonate, do not induce vomiting. You have to provide the individual with 2-4 glasses of milk and call poison control right away.
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is basically a chemical that is characterized for its very basic pH level. It is important to note that the last place where you can expect a poisoning from this substance is in a nursing home. In one particular case, an elderly consumed dishwashing detergent that contains sodium hydroxide. In a span of 18 hours, the elderly died of severe burns in the esophagus. With this in mind, it is important to keep dishwashing detergents in a secure place and out of reach of children. Due to the curious nature of young children, they are likely victims of poisoning of this substance that is present in some dishwashing detergents.
Always remember that any household cleaners including dishwashing detergents must be properly stored in order to prevent accidental ingestion especially by young children. The shelves or cupboards where these cleaners are kept must be secured with a lock that only the adults can access. In doing so, it can help prevent any accidents.