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[[File:Ground cinnamon.jpg|thumb|250px|Cinnamon, the key ingredient of the cinnamon challenge, and a spoon]]
[[File:Ground cinnamon.jpg|thumb|250px|Cinnamon, the key ingredient of the cinnamon challenge, and a spoon]]


The '''cinnamon challenge''' is a viral internet challenge. The objective of the challenge is to swallow a spoonful of ground [[cinnamon]] in under 60 seconds without drinking anything,<ref name="Healy" /> then upload the video to the Internet.<ref name="Joplin">{{cite news |title=‘Dr. Food Science’ mixes bananas and Sprite, conducts other questionable food experiments |work=[[The Joplin Globe]] |first=Dustin |last=Shipman |date=April 29, 2008 |url=http://www.joplinglobe.com/food/local_story_120162143.html/resources_printstory |accessdate=October 22, 2009}}</ref><ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite web | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2010/04/swallowing_cinnamon.html | title=Swallowing cinnamon by the spoonful | publisher=[http://voices.washingtonpost.com ''The Washington Post''] | date=April 5, 2010 | accessdate=January 8, 2012 | author=Huget, Jennifer LaRue}}</ref><ref name="Sports Illustrated">{{cite web | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/matthew_waxman/08/25/daily.blog/ | title=Milking the situation: To support Florida batboy, I try other food challenges | publisher=[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com Sports Illustrated] | date=August 25, 2005 | accessdate=January 8, 2012 | author=Waxman, Matthew}}</ref> The challenge is extremely difficult and carries substantial health risks because the cinnamon coats and dries the mouth and throat, resulting in coughing, gagging, vomiting and inhaling of cinnamon, leading to throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and risk of pneumonia.<ref name="Healy">{{cite web | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/28/news/la-heb-teen-cinnamon-challenge-20120328 | title = Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent | accessdate = 2013-03-28 | last = Healy | first = Melissa | date = 2012-03-28 | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The challenge has been around since 2001, and increased in popularity in 2007.<ref name=GoogleInsights>[http://www.google.com/insights/search/#q=%22cinnamon%20challenge%22&date=1%2F2004%2048m&cmpt=q Google Insights for Search - Web Search Interest: "cinnamon challenge" - Worldwide, 2004-2007], ''[[Google Insights for Search]]'', accessed March 21, 2012</ref> By 2010, many people had posted videos of themselves attempting this challenge on [[YouTube]] and other social networking websites.<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> The cinnamon challenge continues to be active,<ref name="NBC4 Washington">{{cite web | url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/Nick--JaVale-Do-The-Cinnamon-Challenge-134009978.html | title=Nick & JaVale's Cinnamon Challenge | publisher=[http://www.nbcwashington.com NBC Washington 4] | date=November 17, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Kogod, Sarah}}</ref> with [[Twitter]] mentions peaking at nearly 70,000 per day in January 2012.<ref name=WSJ1/> To date, the largest recorded group attempt at the cinnamon challenge was held at [[RMIT University]] in Australia and involved 64 participants in quick succession.<ref name=YouTube>{{cite web |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZuaUhHukjc |title=RMIT Cinnamon Challenge |publisher=YouTube |year=2012 |accessdate=September 28, 2012}}</ref> It is similar to the [[saltine cracker challenge]], which involves ingesting at least six [[saltine crackers]] (also known as soda crackers) within 60 seconds without drinking anything,<ref name="Joplin"/><ref name="Sports Illustrated"/> the [[Gallon challenge]], and the [[Banana Sprite challenge]].
The '''cinnamon challenge''' is a form of natural selection. The victim is to swallow a spoonful of ground [[cinnamon]] in under 60 seconds without drinking anything,<ref name="Healy" /> then upload the video to the Internet.<ref name="Joplin">{{cite news |title=‘Dr. Food Science’ mixes bananas and Sprite, conducts other questionable food experiments |work=[[The Joplin Globe]] |first=Dustin |last=Shipman |date=April 29, 2008 |url=http://www.joplinglobe.com/food/local_story_120162143.html/resources_printstory |accessdate=October 22, 2009}}</ref><ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite web | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2010/04/swallowing_cinnamon.html | title=Swallowing cinnamon by the spoonful | publisher=[http://voices.washingtonpost.com ''The Washington Post''] | date=April 5, 2010 | accessdate=January 8, 2012 | author=Huget, Jennifer LaRue}}</ref><ref name="Sports Illustrated">{{cite web | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/matthew_waxman/08/25/daily.blog/ | title=Milking the situation: To support Florida batboy, I try other food challenges | publisher=[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com Sports Illustrated] | date=August 25, 2005 | accessdate=January 8, 2012 | author=Waxman, Matthew}}</ref> This form of natural selection is extremely easy because the cinnamon coats and dries the mouth and throat, resulting in coughing, gagging, vomiting and inhaling of cinnamon, leading to throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and risk of pneumonia.<ref name="Healy">{{cite web | url = http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/28/news/la-heb-teen-cinnamon-challenge-20120328 | title = Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent | accessdate = 2013-03-28 | last = Healy | first = Melissa | date = 2012-03-28 | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> This form of natural selection has been around since 2001, and increased in popularity in 2007.<ref name=GoogleInsights>[http://www.google.com/insights/search/#q=%22cinnamon%20challenge%22&date=1%2F2004%2048m&cmpt=q Google Insights for Search - Web Search Interest: "cinnamon challenge" - Worldwide, 2004-2007], ''[[Google Insights for Search]]'', accessed March 21, 2012</ref> By 2010, many people had posted videos of themselves being removed from the gene pool on [[YouTube]] and other social networking websites.<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> The cinnamon selection continues to be active,<ref name="NBC4 Washington">{{cite web | url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/capital-games/Nick--JaVale-Do-The-Cinnamon-Challenge-134009978.html | title=Nick & JaVale's Cinnamon Challenge | publisher=[http://www.nbcwashington.com NBC Washington 4] | date=November 17, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Kogod, Sarah}}</ref> with [[Twitter]] mentions peaking at nearly 70,000 per day in January 2012.<ref name=WSJ1/> To date, the largest recorded group attempt at the cinnamon challenge was held at [[RMIT University]] in Australia and involved 64 participants in quick succession.<ref name=YouTube>{{cite web |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZuaUhHukjc |title=RMIT Cinnamon Challenge |publisher=YouTube |year=2012 |accessdate=September 28, 2012}}</ref> It is similar to the [[saltine cracker challenge]], which involves ingesting at least six [[saltine crackers]] (also known as soda crackers) within 60 seconds without drinking anything,<ref name="Joplin"/><ref name="Sports Illustrated"/> the [[Gallon challenge]], and the [[Banana Sprite challenge]].


==Safety hazards==
==Safety hazards==
The stunt can be dangerous. There is a risk of [[Gag reflex|gagging]] on the cinnamon, especially if it forms a clump and clogs one's [[airways]]. Accidental inhalation of cinnamon can seriously damage the lungs<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> by causing [[inflammation]] and leading to infection.<ref name="Painter">{{Cite journal | last = Painter | first = Kim | title = Cinnamon challenge: | url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/healthyperspective/post/2012-03-19/cinnamon-challenge-viral-videos-with-health-risks/651200/1 | accessdate = 2012-03-19 | publisher = [[USA Today]]}}</ref> Furthermore, due to the moderately [[Toxicity|toxic]] chemical compound [[coumarin]] present in cinnamon, European health agencies have warned against consuming it in large amounts.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Harris | first = Emily | title = German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger | url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6672644 | accessdate = 2007-05-01 | publisher = [[National Public Radio]]}}</ref> The usual result of this stunt is "a coughing, gagging fit involving clouds of cinnamon" which "leaves some people gasping for air".<ref name="Painter" /> Sometimes those performing the stunt may gag and accidentally exhale the cinnamon through their noses. This often results in considerable irritation, discomfort, burning, or itching of the affected nasal tissue and nostrils. On YouTube, those afflicted with discomfort from nasal exhaling of cinnamon have been observed irrigating their noses or [[allergic salute|wiping their nostrils]] vigorously in an effort to relieve the irritation.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c00AMqTLAc Avery cinnamon challenge ...... fail!!</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d0F0YpbyAk cinnamon shot out the nose</ref> Vomiting is also a possibility. However, the risks can be worse: a high-school student in Michigan spent four days in a hospital after attempting the cinnamon challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/07/michigan-teen-hospitalized-after-attempting-cinnamon-challenge/|title=Michigan teen hospitalized after attempting 'cinnamon challenge'|publisher=Fox News|date=2012-03-07|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> [[Pneumonia]]<ref>''Los Angeles Times'': [http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/28/news/la-heb-teen-cinnamon-challenge-20120328 Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent]. March 28, 2012.</ref> and collapsed lungs can also result from the challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57580670/cinnamon-challenge-dangerous-to-lungs-new-report-warns/|title="Cinnamon challenge" dangerous to lungs, new report warns|publisher=CBS|date=April 22, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref>
The removal can be dangerous. There is a risk of [[Gag reflex|gagging]] on the cinnamon, especially if it forms a clump and clogs one's [[airways]]. Accidental inhalation of cinnamon can seriously damage the lungs<ref name="WashingtonPost"/> by causing [[inflammation]] and leading to infection.<ref name="Painter">{{Cite journal | last = Painter | first = Kim | title = Cinnamon challenge: | url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/healthyperspective/post/2012-03-19/cinnamon-challenge-viral-videos-with-health-risks/651200/1 | accessdate = 2012-03-19 | publisher = [[USA Today]]}}</ref> Furthermore, due to the moderately [[Toxicity|toxic]] chemical compound [[coumarin]] present in cinnamon, European health agencies have warned against consuming it in large amounts.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Harris | first = Emily | title = German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger | url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6672644 | accessdate = 2007-05-01 | publisher = [[National Public Radio]]}}</ref> The usual result of this stunt is "a coughing, gagging fit involving clouds of cinnamon" which "leaves some people gasping for air".<ref name="Painter" /> Sometimes those performing the stunt may gag and accidentally exhale the cinnamon through their noses. This often results in considerable irritation, discomfort, burning, or itching of the affected nasal tissue and nostrils. On YouTube, those afflicted with discomfort from nasal exhaling of cinnamon have been observed irrigating their noses or [[allergic salute|wiping their nostrils]] vigorously in an effort to relieve the irritation.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c00AMqTLAc Avery cinnamon challenge ...... fail!!</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d0F0YpbyAk cinnamon shot out the nose</ref> Vomiting is also a possibility. However, the risks can be worse: a high-school student in Michigan spent four days in a hospital after attempting the cinnamon challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/07/michigan-teen-hospitalized-after-attempting-cinnamon-challenge/|title=Michigan teen hospitalized after attempting 'cinnamon challenge'|publisher=Fox News|date=2012-03-07|accessdate=2012-06-17}}</ref> [[Pneumonia]]<ref>''Los Angeles Times'': [http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/28/news/la-heb-teen-cinnamon-challenge-20120328 Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent]. March 28, 2012.</ref> and collapsed lungs can also result from the challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57580670/cinnamon-challenge-dangerous-to-lungs-new-report-warns/|title="Cinnamon challenge" dangerous to lungs, new report warns|publisher=CBS|date=April 22, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref>
In the first three months of 2012, American [[poison control center]]s had received at least 122 phone calls due to the cinnamon challenge.<ref name="Healy" /> While potentially hazardous, no deaths have been specifically linked to participation in the activity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ewing|first=Samara|title=Cinnamon Challenge Game Has Serious Health Consequences|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/196141/28/Cinnamon-Challenge-Game-Has-Serious-Health-Consequences|publisher=WUSA9|accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref>
In the first three months of 2012, American [[poison control center]]s had received at least 122 phone calls due to Darwin.<ref name="Healy" /> While potentially hazardous, no deaths have been specifically linked to participation in the activity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ewing|first=Samara|title=Cinnamon Challenge Game Has Serious Health Consequences|url=http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/196141/28/Cinnamon-Challenge-Game-Has-Serious-Health-Consequences|publisher=WUSA9|accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The cinnamon challenge was aired on the [[Big Brother 2011 (UK)|twelfth series]] of the reality television show ''[[Big Brother (UK)|Big Brother UK]]'', in which show participants were to ingest ground cinnamon without the aid of water to digest it.<ref name="MSN-UK">{{cite web | url=http://tv.uk.msn.com/blog/big-brother-blogpost.aspx?post=d6c35742-c968-4fde-ba86-e0aafe7bd140 | title=Big Brother: Rave On | publisher=[http://tv.uk.msn.com MSN TV (UK)] | date=October 27, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Ledgerton, Selena}}</ref><ref name="DigitalSpy">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s149/big-brother/news/a347788/big-brother-housemates-set-cinnamon-challenge-to-win-90s-rave.html | title=Big Brother: Housemates set Cinnamon Challenge to win '90s rave | publisher=[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk Digital Spy] | date=October 27, 2011 | accessdate=January 7, 2012 | author=Fletcher, Alex}}</ref> Radio programmes have also aired segments of people performing this stunt,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kroq.radio.com/2010/06/08/gulp-a-tablespoon-of-cinnamon-the-cinnamon-challenge/ | title=Gulp A Tablespoon Of Cinnamon. "The Cinnamon Challenge" | publisher=[http://kroq.radio.com KROQ Radio] (CBS Radio) | date=June 8, 2010 | accessdate=January 12, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://mix1041.radio.com/2011/09/28/dancing-with-the-stunts-the-cinnamon-challenge-photos/#photo-1 | title=Dancing With the Stunts: The Cinnamon Challenge (Photos) | publisher=[http://mix1041.radio.com Mix Radio 104.1] (CBS Radio) | accessdate=January 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://us99country.radio.com/2011/01/14/do-not-do-the-cinimon-challenge/ | title=DO NOT Do The Cinnamon Challenge! | publisher=[http://us99country.radio.com Us99country.radio.com] (CBS Radio) | date=January 14, 2011 | accessdate=January 12, 2012}}</ref> and others in the public limelight have been reported as airing the stunt for public display, including NBA players [[Nick Young (basketball)|Nick Young]] and [[JaVale McGee]].<ref name="NBC4 Washington"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/nick-young-and-javale-mcgee-eat-spoonfulls-of-cinnamon/2011/11/16/gIQAlbf0RN_blog.html | title=Nick Young and JaVale McGee eat spoonfuls of cinnamon | publisher=[http://www.washingtonpost.com ''The Washington Post''] | date=November 16, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Steinberg, Dan}}</ref>
The idiocy was aired on the [[Big Brother 2011 (UK)|twelfth series]] of the reality television show ''[[Big Brother (UK)|Big Brother UK]]'', in which show participants were to ingest ground cinnamon without the aid of water to digest it.<ref name="MSN-UK">{{cite web | url=http://tv.uk.msn.com/blog/big-brother-blogpost.aspx?post=d6c35742-c968-4fde-ba86-e0aafe7bd140 | title=Big Brother: Rave On | publisher=[http://tv.uk.msn.com MSN TV (UK)] | date=October 27, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Ledgerton, Selena}}</ref><ref name="DigitalSpy">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s149/big-brother/news/a347788/big-brother-housemates-set-cinnamon-challenge-to-win-90s-rave.html | title=Big Brother: Housemates set Cinnamon Challenge to win '90s rave | publisher=[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk Digital Spy] | date=October 27, 2011 | accessdate=January 7, 2012 | author=Fletcher, Alex}}</ref> Radio programmes have also aired segments of people performing this stunt,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kroq.radio.com/2010/06/08/gulp-a-tablespoon-of-cinnamon-the-cinnamon-challenge/ | title=Gulp A Tablespoon Of Cinnamon. "The Cinnamon Challenge" | publisher=[http://kroq.radio.com KROQ Radio] (CBS Radio) | date=June 8, 2010 | accessdate=January 12, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://mix1041.radio.com/2011/09/28/dancing-with-the-stunts-the-cinnamon-challenge-photos/#photo-1 | title=Dancing With the Stunts: The Cinnamon Challenge (Photos) | publisher=[http://mix1041.radio.com Mix Radio 104.1] (CBS Radio) | accessdate=January 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://us99country.radio.com/2011/01/14/do-not-do-the-cinimon-challenge/ | title=DO NOT Do The Cinnamon Challenge! | publisher=[http://us99country.radio.com Us99country.radio.com] (CBS Radio) | date=January 14, 2011 | accessdate=January 12, 2012}}</ref> and others in the public limelight have been reported as airing the stunt for public display, including NBA players [[Nick Young (basketball)|Nick Young]] and [[JaVale McGee]].<ref name="NBC4 Washington"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/post/nick-young-and-javale-mcgee-eat-spoonfulls-of-cinnamon/2011/11/16/gIQAlbf0RN_blog.html | title=Nick Young and JaVale McGee eat spoonfuls of cinnamon | publisher=[http://www.washingtonpost.com ''The Washington Post''] | date=November 16, 2011 | accessdate=January 9, 2012 | author=Steinberg, Dan}}</ref>


Many people upload their cinnamon challenge to YouTube. For example, as comedian Colleen Ballinger told the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', she took the challenge in character as [[Miranda Sings]] in February 2012, to increase her YouTube views after "hundreds of fans started asking her to take the&nbsp;... challenge.&nbsp;... Her video garnered 70,000 views after one week".<ref name=WSJ1>Keates, Nancy. [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304537904577279663808279888.html "Just a Spoonful of Cinnamon Makes the Internet Rounds"], ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', March 14, 2012</ref> Another comedian, [[GloZell Green]], has attracted more than 32 million views with her cinnamon challenge video.<ref>Green, Glozell. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyk7utV_D2I "The Cinnamon Challenge ... by GloZell and her Big Behind Earrings"], YouTube, January 30, 2012, accessed June 28, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/03/19/youtube-viewers-flock-to-watch-quinn-take-cinnamon-challenge/ |title=YouTube Viewers Flock to Watch Quinn Take 'Cinnamon Challenge' |publisher=CBS Chicago |date=March 19, 2012 |accessdate=March 26, 2012}}</ref>
Many people upload their death to YouTube. For example, as comedian Colleen Ballinger told the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', she took the challenge in character as [[Miranda Sings]] in February 2012, to increase her YouTube views after "hundreds of fans started asking her to take the&nbsp;... challenge.&nbsp;... Her video garnered 70,000 views after one week".<ref name=WSJ1>Keates, Nancy. [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304537904577279663808279888.html "Just a Spoonful of Cinnamon Makes the Internet Rounds"], ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', March 14, 2012</ref> Another comedian, [[GloZell Green]], has attracted more than 32 million views with her cinnamon challenge video.<ref>Green, Glozell. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyk7utV_D2I "The Cinnamon Challenge ... by GloZell and her Big Behind Earrings"], YouTube, January 30, 2012, accessed June 28, 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/03/19/youtube-viewers-flock-to-watch-quinn-take-cinnamon-challenge/ |title=YouTube Viewers Flock to Watch Quinn Take 'Cinnamon Challenge' |publisher=CBS Chicago |date=March 19, 2012 |accessdate=March 26, 2012}}</ref>


In a 2012 episode of the [[Discovery Channel]] series ''[[MythBusters]]'', each member of the Build Team attempted the challenge. [[Kari Byron]] and [[Grant Imahara]] failed, while [[Tory Belleci]] completed it by tucking his spoonful into his cheek and letting [[saliva]] accumulate in his mouth until he could swallow. However, it took him more than 60 seconds to do so.<ref>Youtube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXkGtJUP0WE "Mythbusters Cinnamon Challenge"], Youtube</ref>
In a 2012 episode of the [[Discovery Channel]] series ''[[MythBusters]]'', each member of the Build Team attempted the suicide. [[Kari Byron]] and [[Grant Imahara]] failed, while [[Tory Belleci]] completed it by tucking his spoonful into his cheek and letting [[saliva]] accumulate in his mouth until he could swallow. However, it took him more than 60 seconds to do so.<ref>Youtube [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXkGtJUP0WE "Mythbusters Cinnamon Challenge"], Youtube</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}


[[Category:Challenges]]
[[Category:Stupidity]]
[[Category:Competitive eating]]
[[Category:Natural Selection]]

Revision as of 01:14, 27 September 2013

Cinnamon, the key ingredient of the cinnamon challenge, and a spoon

The cinnamon challenge is a form of natural selection. The victim is to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in under 60 seconds without drinking anything,[1] then upload the video to the Internet.[2][3][4] This form of natural selection is extremely easy because the cinnamon coats and dries the mouth and throat, resulting in coughing, gagging, vomiting and inhaling of cinnamon, leading to throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and risk of pneumonia.[1] This form of natural selection has been around since 2001, and increased in popularity in 2007.[5] By 2010, many people had posted videos of themselves being removed from the gene pool on YouTube and other social networking websites.[3] The cinnamon selection continues to be active,[6] with Twitter mentions peaking at nearly 70,000 per day in January 2012.[7] To date, the largest recorded group attempt at the cinnamon challenge was held at RMIT University in Australia and involved 64 participants in quick succession.[8] It is similar to the saltine cracker challenge, which involves ingesting at least six saltine crackers (also known as soda crackers) within 60 seconds without drinking anything,[2][4] the Gallon challenge, and the Banana Sprite challenge.

Safety hazards

The removal can be dangerous. There is a risk of gagging on the cinnamon, especially if it forms a clump and clogs one's airways. Accidental inhalation of cinnamon can seriously damage the lungs[3] by causing inflammation and leading to infection.[9] Furthermore, due to the moderately toxic chemical compound coumarin present in cinnamon, European health agencies have warned against consuming it in large amounts.[10] The usual result of this stunt is "a coughing, gagging fit involving clouds of cinnamon" which "leaves some people gasping for air".[9] Sometimes those performing the stunt may gag and accidentally exhale the cinnamon through their noses. This often results in considerable irritation, discomfort, burning, or itching of the affected nasal tissue and nostrils. On YouTube, those afflicted with discomfort from nasal exhaling of cinnamon have been observed irrigating their noses or wiping their nostrils vigorously in an effort to relieve the irritation.[11][12] Vomiting is also a possibility. However, the risks can be worse: a high-school student in Michigan spent four days in a hospital after attempting the cinnamon challenge.[13] Pneumonia[14] and collapsed lungs can also result from the challenge.[15] In the first three months of 2012, American poison control centers had received at least 122 phone calls due to Darwin.[1] While potentially hazardous, no deaths have been specifically linked to participation in the activity.[16]

In popular culture

The idiocy was aired on the twelfth series of the reality television show Big Brother UK, in which show participants were to ingest ground cinnamon without the aid of water to digest it.[17][18] Radio programmes have also aired segments of people performing this stunt,[19][20][21] and others in the public limelight have been reported as airing the stunt for public display, including NBA players Nick Young and JaVale McGee.[6][22]

Many people upload their death to YouTube. For example, as comedian Colleen Ballinger told the Wall Street Journal, she took the challenge in character as Miranda Sings in February 2012, to increase her YouTube views after "hundreds of fans started asking her to take the ... challenge. ... Her video garnered 70,000 views after one week".[7] Another comedian, GloZell Green, has attracted more than 32 million views with her cinnamon challenge video.[23][24]

In a 2012 episode of the Discovery Channel series MythBusters, each member of the Build Team attempted the suicide. Kari Byron and Grant Imahara failed, while Tory Belleci completed it by tucking his spoonful into his cheek and letting saliva accumulate in his mouth until he could swallow. However, it took him more than 60 seconds to do so.[25]

References

  1. ^ a b c Healy, Melissa (2012-03-28). "Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-03-28.
  2. ^ a b Shipman, Dustin (April 29, 2008). "'Dr. Food Science' mixes bananas and Sprite, conducts other questionable food experiments". The Joplin Globe. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c Huget, Jennifer LaRue (April 5, 2010). "Swallowing cinnamon by the spoonful". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 8, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b Waxman, Matthew (August 25, 2005). "Milking the situation: To support Florida batboy, I try other food challenges". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 8, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ Google Insights for Search - Web Search Interest: "cinnamon challenge" - Worldwide, 2004-2007, Google Insights for Search, accessed March 21, 2012
  6. ^ a b Kogod, Sarah (November 17, 2011). "Nick & JaVale's Cinnamon Challenge". NBC Washington 4. Retrieved January 9, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b Keates, Nancy. "Just a Spoonful of Cinnamon Makes the Internet Rounds", Wall Street Journal, March 14, 2012
  8. ^ "RMIT Cinnamon Challenge". YouTube. 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  9. ^ a b Painter, Kim. "Cinnamon challenge:". USA Today. Retrieved 2012-03-19. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. ^ Harris, Emily. "German Christmas Cookies Pose Health Danger". National Public Radio. Retrieved 2007-05-01. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c00AMqTLAc Avery cinnamon challenge ...... fail!!
  12. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d0F0YpbyAk cinnamon shot out the nose
  13. ^ "Michigan teen hospitalized after attempting 'cinnamon challenge'". Fox News. 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  14. ^ Los Angeles Times: Teens' 'cinnamon challenge': Dangerous, not innocent. March 28, 2012.
  15. ^ ""Cinnamon challenge" dangerous to lungs, new report warns". CBS. April 22, 2013. Retrieved August 3, 2013.
  16. ^ Ewing, Samara. "Cinnamon Challenge Game Has Serious Health Consequences". WUSA9. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  17. ^ Ledgerton, Selena (October 27, 2011). "Big Brother: Rave On". MSN TV (UK). Retrieved January 9, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Fletcher, Alex (October 27, 2011). "Big Brother: Housemates set Cinnamon Challenge to win '90s rave". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 7, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "Gulp A Tablespoon Of Cinnamon. "The Cinnamon Challenge"". KROQ Radio (CBS Radio). June 8, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ "Dancing With the Stunts: The Cinnamon Challenge (Photos)". Mix Radio 104.1 (CBS Radio). Retrieved January 9, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ "DO NOT Do The Cinnamon Challenge!". Us99country.radio.com (CBS Radio). January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 12, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ Steinberg, Dan (November 16, 2011). "Nick Young and JaVale McGee eat spoonfuls of cinnamon". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 9, 2012. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ Green, Glozell. "The Cinnamon Challenge ... by GloZell and her Big Behind Earrings", YouTube, January 30, 2012, accessed June 28, 2012
  24. ^ "YouTube Viewers Flock to Watch Quinn Take 'Cinnamon Challenge'". CBS Chicago. March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  25. ^ Youtube "Mythbusters Cinnamon Challenge", Youtube
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