'Up to 200 infants a year' poisoned by dishwasher tablets

The parents of a little girl who almost died after biting into a dishwasher tablet have warned other parents about how easily disaster can strike in the kitchen. [caption id="attachment_229577" align="alignleft" width="615"]

Paul O'Connor, Irish Mirror[/caption] Co. Louth couple Colin and Sarah Maher revealed how their 17-month-old Jenny discovered a box of the liquid detergent capsules in a cupboard:

"These dishwasher tablets are individually wrapped and look like sweets to children," dad Colin told the Irish Daily Star. "Jenny took it from the press and, like all children, she put it into her mouth.

"My wife Sarah raced across the kitchen to take it out of her mouth but, at that stage, Jenny had bitten into it and some of the liquid got into her mouth."

Within seconds, the child began to vomit and soon afterwards, her horrified mum noticed she was having difficulty breathing. After a frantic dash to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Jenny was admitted into intensive care in Dublin, where she remained for a week.

"The doctors told us they see between 100 and 200 cases of this every year," said Colin.

"After it happening to us, we would advise all parents to keep household cleaning products and chemicals out of reach of children. The relieved dad also warned parents against taking a 'wait and see' approach after their child has consumed something potentially poisonous.

"After what we have been through, we would advise any parent in this situation to bring their child to the hospital immediately," he said.

"Had we delayed at all with Jenny, the outcome would have been a lot worse."

‘Up to 200 infants a year’ poisoned by dishwasher tablets