Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
596. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will provide figures relating to the number, type of injury and age profile of those who received hospital treatment as a result of contact with liquid detergent tablets for the years 2012, 2011, 2010 , 2009, 2008 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18400/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraData on admitted patients are available from the Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE) system which records information on each in-patient and daycase discharge from all publicly-funded acute hospitals. While HIPE does identify accidental poisoning of various types, it is not at the level of detail required to identify those who received hospital treatment as a result of contact with liquid detergent tablets.
The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) in Beaumont Hospital has provided data relating to the number of queries received by the Centre concerning liquid detergent tablets. In 2011, 144 enquiries were received and in 2012, 220 enquiries were received. The enquiries were from GPs, GP co-ops, hospitals and the general public. Almost all enquiries were related to incidents involving children and the majority (81%) concerned children aged one to three years old. According to the NPIC, vomiting was the most common symptom reported following ingestion of these products. Small numbers of children became drowsy or experienced coughing after the exposure. Eye redness and pain were the most common symptoms reported following eye contact with the contents of the detergent capsules.
