“Should I be concerned about the Tide Pod challenge?”
I caught my son and his friends doing the "Tide Pod" challenge. Luckily, I caught them mid-taping and I immediately sent all of his friends home and dealt with my son. I don't think he's going to be doing it again, at least in my house. In case he does it at someone else's house, what should the emergency steps be?
4 Answers
In a word, YES. Household chemicals are not intended for human consumption, and modern cleaning agents have a much greater potential for harm than an old-fashioned bar of soap. You should speak with those under your care about the dangers of peer pressure, and the concept that it being "in print" or "on the Internet" does not have any bearing on factual accuracy or truth. Individual medical conditions, sensitivities, and prescribed medication use can all interact to make an individual more susceptible to a bad outcome, and, especially in the young, can result in a lifetime of difficulties and disability.
Cinnamon, Tide pods, bath salts - all have appropriate uses, and inappropriate suggestions for alternate intake, masquerading as a "challenge" or similar term, posted or reposted by persons not interested in your personal health or safety.
Donald W. Alves, MD,MS,FACEP
Cinnamon, Tide pods, bath salts - all have appropriate uses, and inappropriate suggestions for alternate intake, masquerading as a "challenge" or similar term, posted or reposted by persons not interested in your personal health or safety.
Donald W. Alves, MD,MS,FACEP
Yes, you should be concerned about such an event. If by chance he were to do it again (or should there ever be a question about a child having ingested a potentially toxic substance), the only emergency step you need to remember is to call poison control at (800) 222-1222. They will be able to walk you through the most up-to-date recommendations for whatever substance may have been ingested.
However, if this was my child, I would also take advantage of such an incident and view it as an opportunity to sit down with my child to discuss the concept of risk and probability and how it applies to the scenario. Even in the event that he and his friends might escape a bad outcome (as others obviously have), by reposting the challenge, he is encouraging other children to do the same. When the inevitable bad outcome eventually occurs, he would be partially responsible.
However, if this was my child, I would also take advantage of such an incident and view it as an opportunity to sit down with my child to discuss the concept of risk and probability and how it applies to the scenario. Even in the event that he and his friends might escape a bad outcome (as others obviously have), by reposting the challenge, he is encouraging other children to do the same. When the inevitable bad outcome eventually occurs, he would be partially responsible.
Be VERY concerned. I have personally seen a 2-3 year old die in an emergency department after ingesting a Tide pod. There is a very high risk of serious, if not life threatening, burns, scaring, and perforation of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach after ingesting a Tide pod.
That is a great question.
1. Yes, you should be concerned, this challenge can be deadly.
2. If you have noticed that your son, or anyone, has ingested anything concerning:
a. Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
b. Call EMS/take them to the closest ED (unless poison control states otherwise)
Sincerely,
Dr. Arzubi-Hughes
1. Yes, you should be concerned, this challenge can be deadly.
2. If you have noticed that your son, or anyone, has ingested anything concerning:
a. Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
b. Call EMS/take them to the closest ED (unless poison control states otherwise)
Sincerely,
Dr. Arzubi-Hughes
