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Charles County Public Schools
P. O. Box 2770, Radio Station Road
La Plata, Maryland 20646
(301) 932-6610/870-3814 - FAX (301) 932-6651
Contact: Katie O'Malley-Simpson
For Immediate Release
February 02, 2012
Superintendent alerts parents to potential health risk
Superintendent of Schools James E. Richmond is alerting parents today of a
possible health risk some children are taking when playing a “knockout” or “pass
out” challenge.
Three students were taken today from schools to the hospital after holding
their breath until they passed out. Several other students who were suspected of
attempting the “challenge” were also seen by school nurses but were not taken to a
hospital.
The challenge “game” is dangerous because it deprives the brain of oxygen,
causing the person to pass out. When the person goes unconscious, they fall and are
at danger of striking their head on the floor, wall or other nearby objects.
“Students are learning about these challenges through social media sites such
as YouTube and Facebook, which are blocked at our schools but easily accessible
through smart phones and outside computers. We are reminding parents to monitor
the sites their children are viewing in order to help us curb this dangerous behavior,”
Richmond said.
Additionally, school officials received information that students may also be
engaging in a “cinnamon challenge,” where they ingest large amounts of the spice.
This can create a blockage of the windpipe, causing a person to vomit or suffer
respiratory distress.
Richmond is asking parents to work with the school system to educate
children about the dangers of these types of games and challenges and the
possibility of severe health risks.
Principals at each of Charles County’s public schools will speak to their
students tomorrow morning during announcements alerting them of the health
risks of these challenges and the potential consequences of the behavior.

Students participating in these challenges face possible disciplinary actions
for disruption of the school day and parents will be notified.
Parents who may have information to share or need more information can
contact the office of student services at 301-­‐934-­‐7326.
Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or
disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX
Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator (students), or Keith Hettel, Section 504 Coordinator (employees/adults), at Charles
County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, Maryland 20646; (301) 932-­‐
6610/870-­‐3814. For special accommodations call (301) 392-­‐7587 or TDD 1-­‐800-­‐735-­‐2258 two weeks prior to the event.
Health risk alert