You might remember the viral “Tide Pod Challenge” from 2018 that led to an increase in the misuse of laundry detergent pods. The viral challenge posed a significant safety risk among teens and young children. Due in part to their candy-like appearance, ingesting laundry detergent pods became a social media trend that caused a disturbing number of poisoning cases.
However, social media wasn’t the only culprit for the increasingly high number of cases. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reported 606 children under the age of five ingested laundry detergent pods in 2018 alone — proving that the mere existence of detergent pods can potentially lead to injuries, with or without a viral social media challenge.
Now, even years later, most laundry detergent companies continue to sell the popular pods including:
Although laundry detergent pods still pose a threat, some companies have taken steps in the right direction to prevent misuse and ingestion. Companies like Procter & Gamble re-engineered their pods to look less like candy and added bitter-tasting agents to deter children from ingesting the detergent. Others even made their pods tougher to reduce the likelihood of a child bursting the pod open with their teeth or hands.
Despite these efforts made by some, laundry detergent pods are still a threat to children and unruly social media influencers. While the number of calls to poison centers reporting injuries related to laundry detergent pods has decreased, the threat remains. If you or a loved one has been affected by a defective laundry detergent pod, Defective Laundry Detergent Pod Attorneys in Cleveland, OH are here to help. Our experienced attorneys can assist you in seeking compensation for injuries and damages caused by these dangerous products. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our team at the Buckeye Law Group is experienced at representing Cleveland families with children who have been exposed to the dangers of laundry detergent pods. Contact our office at 1-800-411-PAIN to speak with one of our laundry detergent pod attorneys today and receive a free case evaluation.