In the quiet routine of a family home, a seemingly harmless household chore became a harrowing ordeal for a family, prompting a grave warning for parents everywhere about the hidden dangers lurking in our laundry rooms.

A young child from a suburb south of Perth sustained a serious eye injury after coming into contact with a household cleaning product.

The recent incident has raised concern among loved ones and the wider community, underscoring the importance of vigilance around everyday items that may pose unexpected risks.


The vibrant colours and squishy texture of laundry pods can deceptively appeal to children, as they often resemble sweets or toys.

However, the reality is far from playful. The washing detergent inside these capsules is highly concentrated, and when the contents come into contact with the delicate tissues of the eye, the result can be devastating.


Luca's mother, Jodi Lowe, recounted the terrifying speed at which the injury took place.

'Two seconds, all it took was two seconds,' she told, expressing her initial disbelief at the severity of the situation.

'I thought it would be like shampoo, that you could give it a wash-out and away you go. I had no idea what would happen next.'


The chemical burn required Luca to undergo surgery—specifically, an amniotic membrane graft, a procedure that involves stitching a layer of placenta onto the eye to facilitate healing.

This advanced medical intervention underscores the seriousness of the injury and the potential for long-term consequences.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported that more than 16,000 children are exposed to laundry pods annually.

In Western Australia alone, there have been five cases of chemical eye burns in the last six weeks, indicating a worrying trend that demands attention.

Corneal specialist and surgeon Dr Marina Rayside spoke to the severity of these injuries, stating, 'We’ve seen patients with the entire surface of the cornea—and the cornea is that clear window to the eye, so that entire first layer—burnt off.'


The ACCC has issued several warnings about the detergent pods, emphasising their allure to children and the ease with which they can burst.

'With their bright colours and small size, laundry pods can be attractive to children as they often look similar to confectionary products,' the ACCC said.

'Children, especially toddlers, can be tempted to put them in the mouth or play with them.'

The risks are not limited to ingestion; even a small amount of pressure can cause a capsule to burst in a child's hand.

They can also dissolve rapidly upon contact with moisture and may burst in a child's mouth in as little as ten seconds, leading to severe injuries.

In light of these dangers, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to keep laundry capsules out of reach of children and to educate themselves on the proper response in case of exposure.


The ACCC advises that if the chemicals from a capsule come into contact with the eyes, the affected area should be flushed immediately with tap water, and the individual should then be taken straight to the hospital.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we urge our readers to share this information with their families, especially those with young children.

It's a stark reminder that vigilance and preventive measures are key to protecting our loved ones from seemingly innocuous household products.


Have you taken any specific precautions to safeguard your grandchildren from these types of household hazards? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below to help inform and protect our community.