Spicy gum TikTok challenge lands students in hospital

A new TikTok challenge involving Trouble Bubble gum, sold on Amazon, has put almost a dozen students in the hospital. The gum contains oleoresin capsicum, the same active ingredient as police pepper spray, and is rated at 16 million Scoville heat units. Eating the gum can cause digestive issues, burning of the mouth and esophagus, and skin reactions. Students who touched the gum but did not ingest it suffered immediate skin reactions, including eye irritation if they rubbed their eyes after touching it. Police are warning against the challenge and advising anyone who has used the gum to seek medical attention.