While liquid laundry packets are a known hazard for small children, a recent report found the products have actually been more deadly to adults with dementia. As a result, an association representing cleaning product manufacturers is urging caregivers of all kinds to store the packets safely.

Adults with dementia accounted for six of eight deaths in the U.S. resulting from ingesting laundry packets between 2012 and early 2017, according to Consumer Reports.

The dangers of laundry packets to small children who mistake them for candy have been well documented, but as a result of its recent findings, Consumer Reports is now recommending that anyone caring for a cognitively impaired person not keep the products in their home.

"We also continue to believe that manufacturers should modify the appearance of laundry packets, so they do not look like candy," said James Dickerson, chief scientific officer at Consumer Reports. http://bit.ly/2sJ5Nzq

The American Cleaning Institute—an association representing the clean products industry—recommends safe storage rather than not using laundry packets. The group will partner with the Caregiver Action Network to share educational material at upcoming training conferences, ACI said in a statement responding to Consumer Reports' findings.

"Manufacturers of liquid laundry detergent packets are fully committed to reducing accidental access to these products, which are used safely by millions of consumers every day," ACI said.

ACI also noted manufacturers have adopted voluntary standards for laundry packet safety. More than 99 percent of all liquid laundry packets shipped to retailers were in compliance with the standards, the association said. http://bit.ly/2tcP60x

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