ACI Issues Response to Pediatrics Study on Cleaning Products

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) issued a statement in response to a study published in the journal Pediatrics that looked at cleaning product-related injuries treated in US emergency rooms between 2007-2022. The study used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to examine cases of unintentional, nonfatal, household cleaning product–related injuries among children aged 5 years or younger.

ACI, in its statement, provided historical data on incidence of children’s exposures to various laundry and cleaning products.

The Pediatrics article used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to examine cases of unintentional, nonfatal, household cleaning product–related injuries among children aged 5 years or younger. According to the information shared on the American Academy of Pediatric website, the objective was to “comprehensively describe the patterns and trends of household cleaning product–related injuries among children treated in US emergency departments from 2007 to 2022.”

ACI’s statement:

“The American Cleaning Institute and its members share the goal of keeping children safe and appreciates continued research focused on preventing household injuries. Parents and caregivers should always store cleaning products securely and use them only as directed.

It is important to note that the Pediatrics study relies on emergency department data that ends in 2022, meaning the most recent information is now several years old. Since that time, manufacturers have continued to strengthen packaging, labeling and consumer education – particularly for liquid laundry packets.

While the study references a spike in laundry packet injuries following their introduction more than 14 years ago, ACI and its members have seen more recent data and real‑world experience showing sustained progress in reducing childhood exposures, driven by improved packaging designs, clearer warnings and ongoing public education efforts. These advancements are not fully reflected in the data analyzed in Pediatrics paper.”

ACI’s statement continued:

“Manufacturers worked with public health and safety experts to develop a voluntary safety standard for laundry packets in 2015 through the standard-setting organization ASTM International. That safety standard was renewed in 2022.

An analysis of data from the National Poison Data System – undertaken by Rocky Mountain Poison and Safety on behalf of American Cleaning Institute – clearly demonstrates a year-to-year decline in childhood exposures to liquid laundry packets, both in absolute numbers and adjusted rates. ​

From 2012 to 2024, the total number of unintentional exposures to liquid laundry packets among children under 6 years of age decreased significantly – by 12.2%.

The population-adjusted rate of exposures per 100,000 children under 6 years of age decreased by 43.3% in 2024 compared to the baseline period (2012-2013).

These declines are attributed to the implementation of ASTM International safety standards, which introduced measures such as child-resistant packaging, bittering agents and warning labels. These interventions have significantly reduced the risk of exposure, even as sales of laundry packets have increased.

ACI has long partnered with pediatric safety experts, poison prevention professionals and manufacturers to educate families about safe storage and proper use of cleaning products. Programs like ACI’s Packets Up! initiative remind parents and caregivers to always keep laundry packets – and all cleaning products – stored up high, out of sight, and out of reach of children.

Cleaning products, including bleach and detergents, play an essential role in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of illness when used properly. The most effective way to reduce risk is not to eliminate these products, but to continue reinforcing safe storage practices, follow label directions, and keep products in their original containers.

ACI remains committed to working with researchers, healthcare professionals and families to build on the progress already made and to ensure cleaning products can be used safely in every home.”

ACI has won awards for its influencer campaigns related to product safety. Last year, it was honored with three awards, including its Packets Up! initiative emphasizes.