{
  "id": 9663098,
  "title": "Viral squishy toy trend putting children in hospital with burns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/viral-squishy-toy-trend-putting-children-in-hospital-with-burns",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-25T00:32:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-25/squishy-toy-microwave-trend-puts-children-in-hospital/107146374"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Squishy toys are a must-have for many kids, but dangerous counterfeits are entering the market, with a social media trend causing severe burns.",
  "key_points": [
    "Children hospitalized with severe burns from microwaving squishy toys.",
    "11 children referred for squishy toy burns in Sydney between Jan-Sep.",
    "ACCC working to address counterfeit squishy toys with unknown chemicals."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}