Not cool! EIGHT people aged three to 53 end up in Chicago hospital burns ward after trying the 'boiling water challenge' during polar vortex (6 Pics)

The 'boiling water challenge' has seen at least eight people end up in a Chicago hospital with burns during the polar vortex.

Videos of the game, inspired by freezing temperatures during the extreme weather, were posted on social media last week and it soon became a viral sensation.

But for some it ended in disaster after they managed to burn themselves during the stunt.

Loyola burn surgeon Dr. Arthur Sanford told The Chicago Sun-Times: 'We strongly warn people to not perform the boiling water challenge. There is no safe way to do it.'

Videos of the game, inspired by the freezing temperatures during the Polar Vortex, were posted on social media in the Chicago area but for some it ended in disaster 

Olha Hamolia throws boiling water into the cold air turning it into a cloud in Chicago

The 'boiling water challenge' saw people throwing hot water into the air during freezing temperatures around the US. This image was taken in Janesville, Wisconsin

At least eight people, aged between three-years-old and 53, were admitted to the burn center where Dr Sanford works.

The challenge involves people filling a container with boiling water before throwing it into the air. The water is then supposed to instantly freeze in mid-air.

Temperatures in the Midwest dropped to -23F with the wind chill making it feel like -50F.

A whole host of stunning images of the challenge were shared across social media. 

But one video showed the moment a man wearing just shorts was scalded by the boiling water in Minnesota. The clip shows the liquid hitting the back of his legs as he throws it over his head.  

One video showed the moment a man wearing just shorts was scalded by the boiling water in Minnesota. The clip shows the liquid hitting the back of his legs as he throws it over his head

A woman throws boiling water into the freezing air as its instantly condenses into an elaborate pattern of ice crystals in Irkutsk, Russia where temperatures plunged to -40F

HOW DOES THE BOILING WATER CHALLENGE WORK?

The challenge involves people filling a container with boiling water before throwing it into the air. 

The water is then supposed to instantly freeze and turn into snow in mid-air.

But the boiling water isn't actually turning to snow, despite appearances.

Snow only forms when there is moisture in the atmosphere and temperatures are low.

The water actually evaporates into a vapor which then condenses into a cloud.

Those who trying the challenge are warned to check which way the wind is blowing and not to throw it over their heads or near other people.