Foam Toy gives off harmful chemicals

 

Foam toys - socalled squishies - which are nice to squeese, might pose a health risk for children

This is the result of a study of 12 types of squishies carried out by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The toys were analysed of outgassing chemical substances. All 12 products released harmful substances in high concentrations which may pose a risk if children play with them for a long time.Aqu

Therefore, the Danish EPA recommend that you dispose of all squishies at your home and do not buy new squishies. Used squishies can be discharged as household waste.

-As a precaution, we find that it is the right thing to do to recommend that consumers totally avoid foam toys of the type squishies until it is certain that the toy is not toxic, says office manager Magnus Løfstedt from the Danish EPA.

The investigation of the toy started back in March as squishies often smell of chemicals and perfume.

The analysed products represent products bought in toy stores, Danish online shops and online shops outside the EU. All investigated products are made in China.

It is illegal to sell the 12 investigated products in Denmark and in the rest of the EU. Toy retailers must immediately remove the illegal toys from their shelves.

The Chemical Inspection Service at the Danish EPA is now going to take the necessary steps to remove specific products from the market.

Various toxic substances

The study shows that all the examined squishies release the substance dimethylformamide (DMF) in high concentrations. This constitutes a risk of liver damage, temporary eye irritation and irritation of the respiratory tract in children. Furthermore, this substance might harm the unborn child.

All 12 squishies release high concentrations of two other substances which irritate mucous membranes.

Two of the 12 squishies release substances in levels representing a risk of harming the central nervous system. However, measurements have only been made one hour after unwrapping these two products. Thus, it is not certain how quickly the concentration drops to levels which are not harmful.

One of the 12 squishies release a carcinogenic substance in concentrations representing a risk if the reading is made shortly after unpacking the product (1 hour). After three days the concentration has dropped to a level no longer representing a risk.

Source: The Danish EPA