Laundry packets that easily dissolve in a washer can also be easily mistaken for candy by children, according to Health Canada.
The government agency is warning about one of the latest ways to dispense detergent – mini plastic packages that dissolve and release the colourful liquid.
Lynne Dillon said it only took a few seconds for her 18-month-old daughter Marley to grab at one while she was putting away groceries.
"The fact that it happened in front of me within four feet is what's shocking because it sounds negligent,” she said. “But it happened right before my eyes and faster than you ever could have imagined.
“Before I could get there it was in her mouth, it was a bit of a struggle . . . I fought her for it and I don't know if it was touching the saliva or me fighting it but it broke pretty much instantly."
The squishy, bright packets are about the size of a marshmellow but their contents are most definitely not edible.
Dillon said Marley started to throw up within seconds and was rushed to CHEO.
“The most concerning thing for me aside from the vomiting was breathing issues,” she said.
“She sounded what could best be described as a snorer, she sounded like an old man snoring"
The Ontario Poison Centre said Friday they’ve got almost 40 calls about children who have eaten the packets, which helped inspire Health Canada to issue their warning.
“We really want to remind parents how important it is to keep all consumer chemicals, but specifically these particular packs out of the reach of kids," said James Van Loon with Health Canada.
Some manufacturers are changing how they package these products, with one putting double-latch lids on the case to make them harder for kids to get into.
As for Dillon, she said she’s still going to use the packets but never again will they be within reach of Marley, who has made a full recovery.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin
