It's dangerous, it's tempting, and it's on YouTube.
And now, the salt and ice challenge has injured a local 12-year old boy...all because of a dare.
The injury happened Friday. He was treated today at the West Penn Hospital Burn Center with antibiotics on the skin and pain control. The blistering second degree burns on his back will heal over the next several weeks.
Because of the way salt and water interact, when salt comes in contact with ice -- which is frozen water, the freezing point of the ice is lowered as the salt gets dissolved. This takes takes energy from what's nearby. If your skin is nearby, this energy is *heat* pulled from your skin, and you get a burn similar to frostbite.
There are risks. You could end up having surgery, or a scar for the rest of your life.
The family did not wish to disclose the boy's identity, but in a statement says the internet clips do not accurately show the terrible injuries that can result. They are grateful their son is recovering, and they hope sharing his story will stop others from trying this stunt.
And now, the salt and ice challenge has injured a local 12-year old boy...all because of a dare.
The injury happened Friday. He was treated today at the West Penn Hospital Burn Center with antibiotics on the skin and pain control. The blistering second degree burns on his back will heal over the next several weeks.
Because of the way salt and water interact, when salt comes in contact with ice -- which is frozen water, the freezing point of the ice is lowered as the salt gets dissolved. This takes takes energy from what's nearby. If your skin is nearby, this energy is *heat* pulled from your skin, and you get a burn similar to frostbite.
There are risks. You could end up having surgery, or a scar for the rest of your life.
The family did not wish to disclose the boy's identity, but in a statement says the internet clips do not accurately show the terrible injuries that can result. They are grateful their son is recovering, and they hope sharing his story will stop others from trying this stunt.
