Health Hazard Detergent Challenge is life-threatening

Tide Pod Challenge warning: teens bite into detergent tabs

In social networks currently circulating the so-called "Tide Pod Challenge". In the process, teenagers bite into detergent tabs and hope for Internet fame. But the action is highly dangerous. Ingestion of the liquid threatens bad poisoning. The manufacturer of the capsules now expressly warns of the life-threatening trend.

Dangerous trend on the Internet

In recent years, the so-called "Ice Bucket Challenge" caused a stir. As part of this campaign, thousands of people around the world poured ice-water over their heads to raise money to fund research into an incurable neuropathy. In social networks, other people are sometimes challenged for no good reason. For example, at the "Cinnamon Challenge" where young people should swallow a spoonful of cinnamon without liquid. A Dutch boy fell into a coma. Now there is another bizarre trend: As part of the "Tide Pod Challenge" teens bite into a detergent capsule. The manufacturer of the tabs now warns of the dangerous test of courage.

On the Internet, a new trend is currently making the round: As part of the "Tide Pod Challenge" teenager bite into a detergent capsule. The "test of courage" can be life-threatening, warn experts. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Teenagers bite off detergent capsules

Procter & Gamble (P & G) chief executive David Taylor has warned teenagers in a blog entry not to use their Tide brand washing machine tabs for the so-called "Tide Pod Challenge".

In this "challenge" the participants put the colorful capsules of detergent into their mouths and bite on them until the fine gel-skin bursts, the liquid detergent spreads on the tongue and slowly runs out of the mouth.

The videos will then be posted on YouTube or Facebook. Apparently, many of the adolescents are not clear about the dangers they expose themselves to.

Not to laugh

"The potential life-changing consequences of this crime seeking internet fame can bring down the hopes and dreams of young people and ultimately their health," writes Taylor.

"Let's take a moment to talk to the young people in our lives and let them know that their lives and health are more important than clicks, views and likes," said the CEO.

"Please help them to understand that this is no laughing matter."

Challenge provided numerous hospital admissions

That the "test of courage" is actually not laugh, also knows the American federation of the poison emergency call centers.

In the first two weeks of 2018, it had nearly 40 cases in which adolescents were hospitalized for contact with detergent tabs.

In more than 90 percent of the cases, the teens had swallowed the liquid detergent.

Children can poison themselves

German experts also pointed out in the past that detergent capsules pose a risk of poisoning for children.

As stated by the President of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel, years ago, that "the colorful, shiny, like big candy-looking liquid caps are very attractive for children".

In some cases, the detergent in the candy look because of the colorful appearance swallowed.

Detoxification with detergent causes health problems such as nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and unconsciousness. In extreme cases, there is a risk of death.

The Federal Institute has called on manufacturers to take appropriate measures to make these products less attractive to children in terms of their shape, color and surface finish.

Stop dangerous trend

As part of the "Tide Pod Challenge", the capsules are not accidentally but deliberately put into the mouth.

"Even the strictest standards and protocols, labels and warnings can not prevent premeditated abuse fueled by poor judgment and popularity," Taylor wrote.

According to him, P & G is working with other partners "to stop this dangerous trend".

It should also be ensured "that social media networks remove videos that glorify this harmful behavior".

YouTube and Facebook have meanwhile announced that they will block videos from the "Tide Pod Challenge". (Ad)