This month’s “Pediatrics” publication features an article on The Cinnamon Challenge. I have heard a bit about this, but reading the article really opened my eyes and played a bit into my last blog article.
The Cinnamon Challenge has been around for almost 11 years, but has gained quite a bit in popularity over the past year, thanks in large part to the internet.
Part of the popularity is that adolescents will get together and video tape each other attempting the challenge and post the video to YouTube.
The Cinnamon Challenge involves swallowing a tablespoon of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking any fluids. The cinnamon particles coat the inside of the mouth and are often aspirated into the lungs. The teen then gags, chokes and often vomits, with the videographer adding commentary and giggling.
In August of last year, there were 51,000 videos associated with The Cinnamon Challenge.
The website does warn the challenge is practically impossible, unpleasant and potentially harmful. That is the big danger. The number of poison control calls, emergency room visits and intensive care admissions related to cinnamon inhalation/ingestion has drastically risen in the last year.
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomus trees. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes. When introduced into the lungs, it is a caustic powder composed of plant cellulose fibers which do not dissolve nor biodegrade.
{ 0 comments }
