They're colourful, cute, and were designed for convenience. But they can be deadly if young children mistake them for candy or toys.

The B.C. Drug and Poison Information Centre has reported an increase in the number of calls received about children being exposed to laundry detergent pods.

In 2012, the centre received 59 pod-related calls but that number sharply increased to 152 calls in 2015. There have been a total of 450 calls, with 150 emergency-room visits, over those four years.

Children under six years of age have been the most frequent ones who have been exposed to the highly concentrated detergent contained within the pods.

According to the centre's Dr. Roy Purssell, the detergent can trigger severe swelling at the back of the throat which can interfere with breathing.

Dr. Purssell recommends the pod be kept out of children's reach and encourages parents with young children to question whether they should have them in the house at all.

(The pods can also be potentially dangerous to pets as well.)

If you suspect someone has been poisoned by medicine, chemical, or other substance, you can call the 24-hour poison information line, call the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. (Telephone interpretation is available in over 150 languages.)

However, if someone is unconscious, having a seizure, having difficulty breathing, or is experiencing chest pain, call 911 immediately.