Tide Pod Selection

Late in 2017, and continuing into the current year, the internet was abuzz with images and videos of people consuming Tide Pods. Tide Pods are a single load size of laundry detergent, wrapped in a transparent casing that dissolves in water. The bright colors are reminiscent of candy, or something that is sweet and edible. The warning labels are quick to point to the contrary, and that ingesting a Tide Pod will be harmful if not fatal. While many reveled in the idea of jokingly eating Tide Pods in an effort to get views or likes on their video, some individuals actually did consume them, and hospitals were forced to work hard to save their lives. As a result, comments such as the one above, claiming that those lacking the intelligence necessary to heed the warning labels did not deserve life, were equally common.

It is certainly true that Tide Pods come with clear warning labels in multiple languages designed to prevent people from actually consuming the dangerous chemicals contained therein. Accordingly, those who possess the ability to read should be left little excuse for the harm they have caused themselves by ingesting these substances. Additionally, the argument can be made that it is simply common sense not to eat something designed for washing clothes, rather than human sustenance.

In summation, while knowingly ingesting a Tide Pod is in no way an intelligent course of action, we also shouldn’t eschew warning labels on potentially dangerous products. As a society, we should be working together to promote health and wise decisions to all, for a collective benefit overall. Furthermore, it may be prudent for the Tide Company to search for less damaging ingredients to their product to prevent further harm.