Doctors are issuing a critical warning to parents regarding dangerous viral food trends. These trends, often shared on social media, are sending children to burn units with severe scald injuries. The #KPopNoodleChallenge, inspired by a Netflix film, is a particular concern, as it encourages children to consume instant noodles in a way that significantly increases burn risks.
Key Takeaways
- Viral food challenges, like the #KPopNoodleChallenge, are causing severe scald burns in children.
- Instant noodles account for nearly one-third of pediatric scald burn injuries.
- The design of tall, narrow noodle cups makes them prone to tipping, spilling hot contents.
- Children's thinner skin makes them more vulnerable to deeper, more damaging burns.
- Parental supervision and immediate cooling with tap water are crucial for prevention and first aid.
Viral Food Trends Lead to Child Burn Injuries
Shriners Children’s Boston has released a statement highlighting a concerning rise in pediatric burn injuries linked to viral food trends. The #KPopNoodleChallenge, popularized by the Netflix movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” involves children imitating characters by eating Korean instant noodles. These noodles, typically prepared in tall, narrow cups and microwaved, are a significant cause of scald burns.
According to Dr. Colleen Ryan, Associate Surgeon at Shriners Children’s Boston, instant noodles are responsible for nearly one-third of all pediatric scald burn injuries. Dr. Ryan notes that the hospital sees such injuries two to three times each week. This frequency underscores the serious nature of these preventable accidents.
Burn Statistics
- Instant noodles: Account for almost 33% of pediatric scald burns.
- Water temperature: Boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
- Adult burn threshold: 3 seconds at 140°F (60°C) can cause second-degree burns.
- Adult burn threshold: 5 seconds at 140°F (60°C) can cause third-degree burns.
The Danger of Instant Noodle Cup Design
The design of instant noodle cups contributes significantly to the risk of burns. These cups are often tall and narrow, making them unstable and easy to tip over. When a cup overturns, the boiling hot broth and noodles spill onto a child’s skin, causing severe injuries.
Dr. Ryan explained the physics of these burns. She stated,
"Water boils at 212 degrees, and the design of these cups makes them extremely easy to tip over. When they do, the hot broth and noodles spill onto the skin."
Children are particularly vulnerable because their skin is thinner than adults'. This means their temperature threshold for burn injury is much lower. The noodles themselves pose an additional risk. They are sticky and retain heat, which can lead to deeper and more damaging burns compared to simple hot water scalds.
Social Media Influence on Children
Research indicates that 95% of children under 17 years old use social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This high usage makes them highly susceptible to imitating viral challenges. Children aged 8 to 10 are especially impressionable, often recreating scenes from popular media without fully grasping the associated dangers.
In 2024, another viral trend, the DIY Tanghulu challenge, also resulted in numerous burn injuries among children. This trend involved making candied fruit using boiling sugar, highlighting a pattern of dangerous imitative behavior fueled by online content.
Preventing Burn Injuries and First Aid
Preventing these traumatic injuries is possible with proper supervision and precautions. Dr. Ryan stresses the importance of parental involvement when children are handling hot containers, especially those containing boiling liquids like instant noodles.
Parents should ensure that hot items are placed securely and out of reach of young children. Education about the dangers of hot liquids and the risks of viral challenges is also key. Children need to understand that what they see online can sometimes be dangerous in real life.
What to Do if a Burn Occurs
- Cool the injury: Immediately place the burned area under cool tap water for 20 minutes.
- Do not use ice: Ice can further damage the skin.
- Remove clothing: Gently remove any clothing or jewelry from the burned area, unless it is stuck to the skin.
- Seek medical attention: If the burn is severe, large, or blistering, seek immediate medical attention.
Shriners Children’s Boston continues to emphasize that these injuries are preventable. They urge parents to exercise vigilance and take necessary safety measures to protect children from the severe consequences of these dangerous online trends.
