Detergent Pod-Related Oral-aerodigestive/ocular Injuries in Children, Ages >0 to <18 years

Abstract

Purpose Detergent pod-related aerodigestive/ocular chemical burns/ingestion poisoning injuries are a group of injuries of concern to parents/guardians of young children as well as oral healthcare professionals. Each year detergent pod injuries result in thousands of emergency department (ED) visits and significant oral, eye, airway, and digestive trauma. The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in detergent pod injuries resulting in ED visits in children ages >0 to <18 years from 2016-2020.

Methods This cross-sectional study used data collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). A secondary data analysis was performed on the NEISS data from 2016-2020 for children ages >0 to <18 years. Injuries were identified as detergent pod-related oral-aerodigestive/ingestion poisonings, detergent pod-related ocular injuries, or other product-related injuries among children. Time trends and demographic characteristics were analysed by age, sex, and race.

Results There were an estimated 13,176 detergent pod-related oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings and 8,654 detergent pod-related ocular injuries with ED visits during 2016 - 2020. In adjusted logistic regression, white children were more likely to have oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings than black children (p=0.0006). Time trend (p=0.4358), and sex (p=0.3905) failed to reach significance. Children, ages 5 to<18 years, were less likely to have ED visits for oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings, or any detergent pod-related injury than younger children. Children, ages 3 to ≤5 years, were more likely to have detergent pod-related ocular injuries than younger or older children.

Conclusion Time trends for detergent-pod related injuries requiring ED visits remained unchanged from 2016-2020 for oral-aerodigestive injuries/ingestion poisonings. Given the significant health risks associated with detergent pods and the fact that the injuries have not declined, there is a need for improved parent/guardian education and practices in safeguarding detergent pods from children. Dental hygienists are well positioned to provide anticipatory guidance on this safety issue.