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Warning issued after children swallow laundry pods

Parents in Nunavut are being warned to keep laundry detergent pods away from children after recent incidents where children ate laundry detergent.

Nunavut's Department of Health reports incidents of children eating detergent-filled pods

Children can mistake laundry detergent pods for candy, but they contain highly-concentrated soap and other cleaning agents that pose significant health risks if eaten. (CBC)

Parents in Nunavut are being warned to keep laundry detergent pods away from children after recent incidents where children swallowed laundry detergent.

The Nunavut Department of Health issued the warning on Monday.

It says children are attracted to the pods, which "look, feel and smell like soft candies."

The pods contain highly-concentrated soap and other cleaning agents that pose significant health risks if eaten, especially for small children, the department says.

It recommends keeping laundry detergent and household cleaning products in cabinets with child-proof latches or locks.

Call your health centre if you suspect a child has swallowed a laundry detergent pod.

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