Teens warned against taking 'Tide pod challenge'

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Meeshika Sharma
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'Tide Pod Challenge' challenge is biting into the small detergent packets.Manufacturer Proctor & Gamble says it's 'deeply concerned' that teens on social media are taking the so-called Tide pod challenge by biting into the small detergent packets.publive-image

It is a recent and dangerous trend on social media, in which young people film themselves taking the "Tide pod challenge" — putting the pods in their mouths and biting, releasing the liquid inside.publive-image

Poison control says that about 40 teens in the U.S. have been treated so far this year after ingesting the liquid detergent in pods.

The detergent is poisonous, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Ingestion can cause vomiting. Health experts say that children who take it into their lungs can suffer from long-term breathing difficulties.

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Tide's parent company, Procter & Gamble, said in a statement it is "deeply concerned about… intentional and improper use of liquid laundry pacs."

The company has also collaborated with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski to put the word out, via Tide's Twitter feed, that the pods are only designed to clean clothes.

In the video, the NFL player repeatedly answers "no" to questions about eating the pods.

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