How This Latest Internet Trend Can Harm Your Health
The internet is no stranger when it comes to memes and trends; first it was the ‘Cinnamon Challenge’, followed by the ‘Mannequin Challenge’, and the ‘Whisper Challenge’ made popular by late-night television host Jimmy Fallon – all relatively harmless. However, there is one new trend that has recently picked up steam and has caught the attention of health officials all across Canada, the United States, and around the world – prompting those officials to issue warnings.
While it’s unknown how it first got started, the latest challenge, known as the ‘Tide Pod Challenge’, sees young children and teenagers sharing videos of themselves on social media that shows them biting into laundry detergent pods and consuming/swallowing the liquid inside. While it might simply sound like a challenge that tastes awful, health officials and physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary say the challenge does more than just leave a bad taste in your mouth. It’s outright dangerous. Why? Because the liquid detergent inside of laundry pods is highly concentrated and toxic.
Back in 2012 there were 8 reported deaths of children under the age of 5 that were directly related to the ingestion of laundry detergent pods. This year alone there have been an estimated 40 cases of serious illness reported amongst children and teenagers, though the number of individuals partaking in this dangerous challenge is thought to be much higher. As a result of the toxicity, consumption of these pods can result in anything from drowsiness, vomiting, swelling of the throat, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness…as well as eye irritation and temporary loss of vision. Having underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, can also put you at a greater risk of developing certain complications.
Given the dangers associated with this latest trend, YouTube says they are in the process of removing any ‘Tide Pod Challenge’ videos, telling Fast Company, “YouTube’s Community Guidelines prohibit content that’s intended to encourage dangerous activities that have an inherent risk of physical harm.”
Because laundry detergent pods are colourful, young children can often be drawn to them without even knowing about their dangers. Thus, it is important to keep them stored in an area out of reach of children. If your kids are old enough to understand, teach them that products intended to keep clothes clean should not be used for any other purpose.
If you believe your child may have consumed liquid from one of these pods, Dr. Ali Ghahary says it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention; either by contacting your local poison control centre or by calling 911. You can find a list of poison control centres in your area by clicking here.
