Automatic dishwasher detergent is hazardous due to its concentrated chemical formula. Unlike hand soap, which is formulated to be milder, dishwasher detergent is designed to work in the machine’s closed system, making it substantially more hazardous if misused or ingested.
Modern forms like brightly colored, pre-measured pods and tablets introduce a unique risk, especially to young children who may mistake them for candy. These highly concentrated chemicals are caustics capable of causing severe chemical burns upon contact with tissue. The primary risk lies in the high concentration of cleaning agents necessary to break down baked-on food residue in a harsh, high-temperature environment.
Understanding the Harmful Components
The primary hazard in automatic dishwasher detergents stems from highly alkaline substances, which are powerful cleaning agents. Compounds such as sodium hydroxide or sodium metasilicate are included to efficiently dissolve fats and proteins. The high alkalinity results in a pH level often reaching 10 to 13, making the substance corrosive.
The detergent formula also relies on strong surfactants, or surface-active agents, to lower water surface tension and emulsify fats and oils. While effective for cleaning, these compounds are irritants that can cause tissue damage on contact.
Enzymes, typically proteases and amylases, are included to break down protein and starch-based food deposits. While less corrosive than alkaline salts, these biological components can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrances and dyes are additional irritants that may trigger skin sensitivity or respiratory reactions upon exposure.
How Dishwasher Detergents Cause Injury
The primary mechanism of injury is chemical corrosion due to the product’s high alkalinity. When an alkaline substance contacts human tissue, it causes a specific type of chemical burn called liquefaction necrosis. This process involves the saponification of fats and the dissolution of proteins in the cell membranes.
Unlike acid burns, which cause coagulation necrosis that forms a protective crust limiting deeper penetration, alkaline substances continue to penetrate tissue. Liquefaction destroys the cell structure, allowing the caustic chemical to seep further into underlying layers. This means an alkali burn can cause deeper, more severe, and more progressive damage than an acid burn.
The concentrated nature of dishwasher pods and tablets significantly exacerbates this danger. When a child bites into a pod, the concentrated chemical mass sticks to the moist mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. This prolonged contact allows liquefaction necrosis to proceed rapidly and deeply, resulting in extensive and severe chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach, even from a small amount of the concentrated product.
Recognizing Symptoms of Exposure
Symptoms of exposure vary depending on the route, but all require immediate attention due to the corrosive nature of the chemicals.
Ingestion
For ingestion, immediate and severe burning pain in the mouth, throat, and chest is common, often accompanied by drooling, refusal to swallow, and difficulty speaking due to throat swelling. Corrosivity can lead to vomiting, which may contain blood, and severe abdominal pain, signaling damage to the esophagus and stomach lining. Initial symptoms can sometimes be deceptively mild, masking severe internal injury that progresses hours later. Ingesting a concentrated pod or liquid can lead to internal burns, esophageal strictures, or perforation, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Eye and Skin Contact
Eye contact, especially with concentrated liquid from a pod, causes immediate and intense pain, redness, and profuse tearing. Because the alkaline substance breaks down the fatty tissue of the eye, it can rapidly penetrate the eye’s delicate structures, potentially leading to corneal clouding and permanent vision loss. Skin contact results in localized irritation, redness, and pain, but prolonged exposure can quickly lead to severe chemical burns, blistering, and tissue death.
Immediate First Aid and Safe Handling
The first step in any exposure scenario is to immediately contact a poison control center by calling 1-800-222-1222 for expert, specific instructions. This action is more important than any other first aid measure.
First Aid Procedures
For ingestion, do not attempt to induce vomiting, as this will re-expose the esophagus and throat to the corrosive chemical, causing further damage. If the person is conscious and able to swallow, give small, frequent sips of water or milk to help dilute the chemical.
For eye exposure, immediately flush the eye with a continuous stream of lukewarm water for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes, holding the eyelid open to ensure thorough rinsing. For skin contact, quickly remove all contaminated clothing and continuously rinse the affected area with running water for at least 10 minutes.
Prevention and Storage
Prevention is the most reliable defense against these severe injuries. All automatic dishwasher detergents, especially the concentrated pods and tablets, must be stored up and away, out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Detergents should always be kept in their original, securely closed containers.
It is also important to use caution immediately after a dishwasher cycle, as residues can remain in the dispenser cup. Never leave the dishwasher door open or the dispenser cup accessible when the machine is not running. Following these simple storage and handling practices significantly reduces the risk of accidental poisoning and chemical burns.