Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said that the OCHD has received information for the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) that warns the public, especially parents, to keep highly concentrated “single dose packs” of laundry detergent locked away from children.

Regenye said, “The poison centers have been reporting an increase in calls about young children and toddlers who have swallowed these small packets who have become very ill and required hospitalization.  Some children have gotten the detergent in the eyes, which have resulted in significant eye irritation and some children have been exposed when the packet burst open when they put it in their mouth.  ” He added, “The NJPIES experts have said that they are not quite sure what is in the packet that is making children sick but the rapid onset of potentially life threatening symptoms is of great concern.”  The New Jersey Poison experts recommend the following:

• Always keep detergents locked up and out of the reach of children.

• Follow the specific disposal instructions on the labels.

• If you think a child has been exposed to a laundry detergent packet, call the NJ Poison Experts at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Chief Robert C. Lawson Chief of Police Lakewood Police Dept. 732-363-0200 ext 5353 rlawson@lakewoodpolicenj.com