The challenge of boiling water is dangerous, here's why

You may have seen the viral videos on social networks where, in order to show how low temperatures are, people are throwing boiling water in the air to watch it turn instantly. in a cloud of snow.

But no matter how fascinating it sounds, you absolutely should not try this stunt – as is the case with most internet challenges, there is a good chance that someone will be seriously injured.

At least eight people who took part in the Boiling Water Challenge were transported to the burn center at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago this past week. "We strongly warn people not to take up the boiling water challenge," said Dr. Arthur Sanford, burn surgeon at Loyola, at the Chicago Sun-Times. "There is no sure way to do it."

Patients reported second- and third-degree burns to the feet, arms, hands and even to the face. Sanford pointed out that a majority of cases may require surgery because of the depth of the burns.

As Gizmodo explained in 2017, this dangerous waterfall is based on what is known as the Mpemba effect – a process by which water tends to freeze more quickly when hot than in the water. Cold.

But because of a bad purpose or other factors, boiling water can eventually fall back on the person. Although burns can be treated with bandages and antibiotics, some serious cases may require skin grafting.

Until now, the victims would be between 3 and 53 years old. In addition, some of them were simply pbadersby and did not actively participate in the challenge. Angie Whitley, head of clinical care at Hennepin Healthcare's Minnesota Burn Treatment Center, confirmed that even children were at risk after seeing young patients get hurt.

Because of the excitement or simply to be distracted, they suffer from burns while they interpose themselves while their parents throw warm water in the air. "Or, people throw it in the air just as a gust of wind comes in, and (the water) holds it back and pushes it away – so we see burning facial wounds," Whitley told CNN .

If a person has suffered a first-degree burn, comparable to a sunburn, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following these steps. Second- and third-degree burns, resulting in blisters and possible loss of skin, require immediate medical attention.

As much of the United States has been affected by the polar vortex in recent weeks, you can take other simple steps to stay safe at very low temperatures.