Parents and guardians may want to keep a close eye on their kids if they offer to help with the laundry.
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) is warning community members about a dangerous fad called the “Tide Pod Challenge.”
As part of the trend, teenagers and younger children are challenging each other to eat laundry detergent pods, an act that is filmed and uploaded to YouTube.
No Prince William students have participated in the challenge, to the school system’s knowledge.
“We are not aware of any Prince William County students who having taken the dare,” a press release said. “However, a student did bring a laundry pod to one school, raising obvious concerns.”
Consuming detergent pods can cause excessive vomiting, wheezing and gasping, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC).
The AAPC encourages parents and guardians to keep laundry detergent closed and make sure it cannot be reached by children.
Anyone who believes a child has consumed detergent or the pods should call their local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
