(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A viral internet challenge during the recent Polar Vortex has landed a few people in the hospital.
Loyola Medical Center’s burn unit has treated eight patients who were injured while performing or witnessing the so-called boiling water challenge. They’ve ranged in age from 3 to 53.
Dr. Arthur Sanford said it’s not safe.
“Even if it’s that freezing-cold outside, the water is still boiling, and it’s been people spilling on their feet to their face or their arm because the wind’s blowing the wrong way.”
The challenge involves throwing boiling water into subzero air and watching it turn into a cloud of steam.
But people have received first-, second- and third-degree burns. Sanford said there’s really no safe way to do it.