Inside the squishy nightmare: Explosions, burns, and thousands of calls to poison control
As squishy toys boom, reports of burns, leaks, and explosions are raising new questions about their safety and ingredients.
A 45-year-old mother, Katie Zerbst, described the harrowing moment her 10-year-old daughter, Violet, suffered severe burns after playing with a squishy toy in the microwave. Upon hearing Violet's distress, Zerbst rushed into the kitchen only to find her daughter covered in a steaming, glittery substance. The toy had erupted like a volcano, leaving Violet with burns on her face and body.
This incident is part of a surge in reports of injuries and toxic concerns related to squishy toys, which are sensory toys that have gained immense popularity. While some users enjoy the squishy toys for their tactile satisfaction, others have reported explosions, burns, and chemical smells. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and America's Poison Centers have seen a significant increase in reports of squishy-related incidents since 2024, though only a fraction of these incidents resulted in severe injuries.
Manufacturers like Schylling, which produces the popular NeeDoh brand, have faced lawsuits for squishy explosions leading to severe burns. The CPSC has issued guidance warning consumers about the burn hazards associated with these toys, emphasizing that microwaving them is improper use. Despite the risks, there is a lack of oversight and regulation surrounding squishy toys, with varying ingredients and unclear labeling, making it difficult to assess their safety.
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