A viral trend in children's toys, known as "squishy dumpling" toys, has come under scrutiny after a California father conducted a safety test that revealed high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborne chemicals. The popular toys, known for their stress-relieving texture and collectible nature, have flooded the market, with many imitation versions originating from various manufacturers.
Jordan Collinet, a father in California, began to suspect a problem when his daughters brought home several knockoff versions of the toys that emitted a strong odor. Concerned about potential health risks, Collinet decided to test the toys using a portable air quality monitor. He placed two new, imitation dumpling toys inside a ziplock bag with the device, which measures a range of indoor air quality indicators, including total VOCs, formaldehyde, and fine particulate matter.
The monitor's reading quickly reached its maximum display value of 9.999, indicating a very high concentration of airborne chemicals. While the consumer-grade monitor could not identify the specific compounds or ascertain whether they posed a health risk, the presence of elevated VOCs and formaldehyde can be a cause for concern. These substances can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and with prolonged exposure or at high levels, have been linked to headaches and respiratory issues.
Collinet expressed his concerns in a TikTok video, questioning the appropriateness of toys that emit such chemicals for children aged three and up, who often put toys in their mouths and near their faces. The original squishy dumpling toys are manufactured by RMS, but the popularity of the product has led to a proliferation of imitation versions from numerous producers.
These findings align with tests conducted by the UK's Swansea Council's Trading Standards, which enforces consumer laws. Officials there also detected potentially harmful airborne chemicals, commonly found in plastics and industrial products, in several of the toys. Rhys Harries, a Trading Standards Officer with the Swansea Council, stated that the strong chemical smell, often described as petrol-like, and the lack of basic safety information on some products should be a warning sign for parents and retailers. The council's primary concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items enter homes or play areas.
In addition to chemical concerns, many of the tested toys failed to meet basic safety standards. Some lacked essential information, such as instructions for handling leaks or punctures, or did not display required safety check marks. Officials in the UK have since recalled dumpling toys manufactured in China and sold by Samsons Cash and Carry due to an excess concentration of benzene, a known hazardous chemical.
Social media platforms like TikTok can rapidly spread toy crazes, but they can also help consumer protection agencies identify unsafe products entering the market. Harries urged parents to exercise caution, purchase from reputable retailers, and verify that toys have correct safety markings and supplier details. He also called on businesses to remain vigilant about fast-moving trends and ensure the products they stock comply with legal safety requirements. The U.S. does not have a specific federal limit for TVOC emissions from toys, making direct comparisons with legal safe levels challenging.