Viral squishy toy trend putting children in hospital with burns
Squishy toys are a must-have for many kids, but dangerous counterfeits are entering the market, with a social media trend causing severe burns.
Viral squishy toys are causing Australian children to be hospitalized with severe burns after being microwaved. These soft, squishable toys are often filled with a gel-like substance and made from thermoplastic rubber. While many squishy toys are safe when used as intended, a social media trend has led to children microwaving them, resulting in serious injuries.
A Sydney Children's Hospitals Network spokesperson reported 11 children were referred for squishy toy burns between January and September. Pediatric emergency physicians have seen at least 13 burn cases since April, with most injuries to the hands or face. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is working with regulators to address the issue of counterfeit squishy toys, which often contain unknown chemicals and bypass safety testing.
Experts recommend avoiding toys with strong chemical smells and ensuring they are used as intended to minimize risks.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
