The Tide Pod challenge is real. Yes, that’s right: Tide Pod. Kids are challenging each other over social media to eat the colorful laundry detergent packets full of, among other things, bleach.
It’s like the cinnamon challenge or the gallon challenge, but with far-reaching consequences. In the first two weeks of 2018, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported 39 cases of Tide Pod ingestion– most of them intentional.
Eating a Tide Pod can cause several serious problems: Liquid in the lungs, chemical burns in the mouth and throat, a drop in blood pressure, and seizures. The popularity of the challenge prompted Tide to make a statement.
What should Tide PODs be used for? DOING LAUNDRY. Nothing else.
Eating a Tide POD is a BAD IDEA, and we asked our friend @robgronkowski to help explain. pic.twitter.com/0JnFdhnsWZ
— Tide (@tide) January 12, 2018
There are a few things you can do to keep your kids safe:
- Keep them in a high place away from younger, curious children.
- Ask your older children if they’ve heard of the Tide Pod challenge.
- Talk to them about the very real consequences of consuming bleach and chemical detergent.
- At the same time, talk to them about critically thinking about “Challenges” or trends they see on social media.
The number for the Poison Control Center near you is (800) 222-1222