Detergent pods may be a convenient way for many people to wash laundry, but a new study has concluded they have contributed to an increase in eye injuries among young children. However, an industry association noted the vast majority of pods comply with established safety standards.

The study recently published in JAMA Ophthalmology found the number of ocular chemical burns in children ages 3 to 4 spiked from 12 instances in 2012 to 480 in 2015. Detergent pods now account for about a quarter of all chemical burns to the eyes in the age range examined.

The authors, who are researchers from three different universities, wrote that the colorful packaging and "candy-like appearance" of many pods might attract children.

"As with most injuries in this age group, these burns occurred almost exclusively in the home," the authors wrote. "In addition to proper storage and use of these devices, prevention strategies might include redesigning packaging to reduce the attractiveness of these products to young children and improving their strength and durability." http://bit.ly/2lcXBoW

The American Cleaning Institute responded to the study with a statement noting 99 percent of pods shipped to the U.S. comply with industry safety standards.

"The standard includes a set of secure package closures designed to challenge the typical strength, mental acuity or dexterity of a young child," ACI said in a statement. "Manufacturers have implemented changes proven effective at deterring child access while ensuring adults are able to open it and completely close it in between uses."

ACI added that as with any household product, proper use and storage of pods is key to keeping children safe. http://bit.ly/2kLLjme

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