Between 2007 and 2022, nearly 250,000 children ages 5 and younger were treated in emergency departments for injuries caused by household cleaning products, with one injury occurring every 35 minutes. A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that despite advances in child-resistant packaging and safety education, cleaning product-related injuries among young children are actually increasing, not decreasing. The injury rate rose from 4.6 per 10,000 children in 2007 to 6.3 per 10,000 in 2022 .

Which Cleaning Products Cause the Most Injuries to Children?

Researchers analyzing 16 years of data found that two cleaning product categories dominate the injury statistics. Bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, accounted for approximately 30% of all cleaning product-related injuries among young children. Detergents, which are synthetic cleaning agents containing surfactants designed to remove oil and dirt, accounted for 28% of injuries . Together, these two product types represent more than half of all cleaning-related emergency room visits for children in this age group.

The most common types of injuries from these products included poisonings, chemical burns, rashes, and conjunctivitis, or eye inflammation. Most injuries occurred when children either ingested the products or came into direct contact with them through their skin or eyes .

"What surprised me is we are still seeing so many visits to emergency departments associated with very common household cleaning products," said Lara McKenzie, senior author of the study and principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Lara McKenzie, Ph.D., Senior Author and Principal Investigator, Center for Injury Research at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Why Did Detergent Pod Injuries Spike So Dramatically?

While bleach-related injuries have remained consistently high since 2007, detergent injuries experienced a dramatic shift around 2012. The introduction of laundry and dish detergent pods created a surge in poisonings among children because the concentrated packets resemble candy or small toys, making them particularly appealing to curious toddlers . Detergent packets now account for approximately 33% of all cleaning product-related injuries among children, with many of these incidents involving toddlers who mistook the pods for food or toys.

Ingesting detergent can cause throat irritation, choking, coughing, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, can burn the lining of the esophagus or cause respiratory distress . The concentrated nature of these pods means even a small amount can cause significant harm.

Beyond bleach and detergent pods, other cleaning products commonly responsible for child injuries include acidic products like toilet bowl cleaners, descalers, and rust removers; alkali products such as lye, degreasers, and drain cleaners; as well as turpentine, pine oil, and spot removers .

How to Safely Store Cleaning Products and Protect Young Children

The most effective strategy for preventing cleaning product injuries is not to eliminate these products from your home, but rather to make them as difficult as possible for children to access. Here are the key steps experts recommend:

• Original Containers and Labels: Always keep cleaning products in their original containers with labels intact, as this helps you identify the product quickly in case of accidental exposure and provides important safety information.
• Locked or Out-of-Reach Storage: Store all cleaning products in cabinets that are completely out of reach for children or, ideally, locked. Child-resistant packaging buys you time but does not guarantee children cannot access the products.
• Spray Bottle Vigilance: Pay special attention to spray bottles, which remain a major source of injury for young children. Despite being around for decades, spray bottle designs have not evolved to be more child-resistant, and young children can learn to operate them by watching adults clean.
• Poison Control Number: Save the Poison Help line number, 1-800-222-1222, in your cell phone for immediate guidance in case of accidental exposure or ingestion.

McKenzie emphasized that nothing is 100% child-proof, but strategic storage significantly reduces risk. She also cautioned against assuming that "non-toxic" or "all-natural" cleaning products are safe alternatives if ingested or sprayed into a child's face, as these products can also cause serious harm .

The vulnerability of young children ages 1 to 3 stems from their developmental stage. At this age, children are mobile and developing fine motor skills, but they cannot read or write and have limited cognitive ability to understand the risks associated with household products. Combined with their intense curiosity and determination, toddlers are highly susceptible to accessing cleaning products despite safety measures .

The rising injury rates underscore the importance of proactive prevention. While cleaning products remain essential household items, understanding which products pose the greatest risks and implementing proper storage strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidental poisonings and chemical injuries among young children.