While the U.S. is nearly frozen solid thanks to the chilling Polar Vortex looming over the states, some people are taking advantage of the unusually cold weather. Spraying boiling water to see it transform into snow midair has become the latest DIY trend. This is a dangerous mistake.

     The viral boiling water challenge shows people just how cold the air is. The thought of turning boiling hot water into icy flakes in seconds is a concept alien to many people in the U.S. This winter’s harsh winds and deadly temperatures have not been seen in a decade. Many Americans are taking advantage of the unusual weather to try the experiment they first see on TV. The experiment involves boiling water in a pot and throwing it up into the air, forming a cloud of instant snow that will drift down to the ground slowly. Viral videos of this challenge quickly spread to Americans mystified by the new cold weather.

     In their attempts to throw boiling water into the freezing air, people are actually throwing themselves into hospitals. Burned from the water, many victims of the experiment walk into emergency rooms with scalded faces and hands. While it may look like a fun science experiment, walking around in freezing weather with pots of boiling water is about as safe as it sounds. Unfortunately, many do not seem to think through their actions until it is too late. Worse, onlookers are in danger as well. Once the water is thrown, the wind can carry it anywhere, to children watching or even the people throwing the water themselves. This trick only works in certain conditions, so carelessly throwing boiling water into the air can easily result in burns.

     Handling water in below freezing temperatures can lead to other dangers too. For example, water freezes faster than skin and clothes. Accidentally getting water on uncovered spots of your body in very low temperatures can accelerate freezing of the skin. This challenge can lead to injuries on both sides of the spectrum. Though it may seem fun, the experiment is potentially very dangerous. Please bundle up and be cautious this winter. Leave as little uncovered skin exposed to the winter weather as possible, and most importantly, stay safe.