As part of a recent online challenge, teens were putting laundry packets in their mouths.

This self-harming behavior may have seemed funny to some, but it can be quite unsafe. Liquid laundry detergent packets are highly concentrated and can be harmful to eyes, skin or when ingested.  Symptoms related to ingestion can include difficulties with breathing, diarrhea and vomiting, seizures and even death.

Please help us talk to teenagers about why it is so important to use good judgement when faced with similar ideas. The stakes are incredibly high, and these accidents are completely preventable.

It’s just common sense: laundry detergent should only be used for laundry. Safety is no laughing matter.