Washing tablets that can be fatal

SCOTTISH doctors have launched a campaign to warn parents of the dangers of liquitabs used in dishwashers and washing machines after a number of children have suffered serious injury from eating them.

Doctors at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children say they have treated five youngsters – all under the age of two – so far this year.

They warn the washing tablets can be fatal because the alkaline chemicals in the liquitabs can cause chemical burns and restrict the airways, making it possible to choke.

Dr Lyndsay Fraser, of the hospital’s ear nose and throat unit, said: “ Children are biting into the tablets, presumably because they think they are sweets as they have the same soft texture and bright colouring.

“Getting them to hospital straight away is imperative.”