The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning regarding popular squishy toys, including "dumpling" shaped ones, that pose a risk of exploding and causing severe burns when exposed to heat. Counterfeit versions of these stress-relieving toys may contain toxic substances and violate federal safety requirements, the agency stated.
The CPSC noted that these toys, often designed to resemble animals or food, can become dangerously hot when left in direct sunlight, inside a warm vehicle, or near a heater. This excessive heat can cause the toy to burst, spraying a scalding liquid onto the skin, which can lead to serious injuries. The sticky filling can also cling to the body, prolonging the heat transfer and worsening burns.
This warning comes after two separate incidents highlighted the dangers. In July, a West Virginia teenager was hospitalized with severe burns after a squishy toy left inside a hot car burst. Her mother reported hearing a "blood-curdling scream" as a clear substance covered her daughter's lap. In January, a nine-year-old boy in Illinois suffered burns to his face and hands when a popular NeeDoh toy exploded in a microwave. The boy was reportedly following an online trend that involved heating the toys to soften them.
The CPSC has been working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent these hazardous toys from entering the country. As of an August 5 alert, the commission had identified 55 shipments of noncompliant squishy toys at U.S. ports and intercepted over 355,000 units. The agency has also issued notices of violation to companies importing or selling these products.
Consumers are advised to purchase squishy toys from reputable retailers with clear contact and return information. Significantly lower prices compared to established retailers could indicate a counterfeit product. When inspecting toys, shoppers should look for misspellings, poor-quality printing, missing manufacturer information, and absent age ratings or safety warnings. Damaged toys should be kept away from children, and any leaking material should not be touched or inhaled.
The CPSC strongly condemned videos demonstrating the heating of these toys until they expand or burst, emphasizing that such actions are dangerous and should not be imitated. Officials reiterated that squishy toys should never be microwaved, deliberately heated, or left in environments with high temperatures.
