An 8-year-old boy in France suffered second-degree burns on his face when a “Squishy” anti-stress gel ball burst. An investigation by the prosecutor’s office in Saint Omer, a town in northern France, is underway to determine the circumstances of the injury and to assess the safety of the product.

The incident also prompted France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), the national agency responsible for consumer protection and product safety, to issue a safety warning about these toys.

French authorities have reported several incidents involving toys that burst and cause burns. Inspections and analyses are underway on products from different brands and in various forms, including cubes, “dumplings,” and “buns.”

The DGCCRF analysis is ongoing. At this stage, it is unclear exactly which product was involved or what caused the burns. It is therefore too early to describe the injury as a “chemical burn.”

Burn Injuries

The French warning follows concerns raised by burn specialists in the UK about a social media trend encouraging children to heat “Squishy” toys, particularly in microwaves. The Scottish National Burn Centre and Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, Scotland, issued a warning after treating children with severe burns linked to the trend.

“When these toys are heated, their contents can explode and stick to the skin, causing deep burns,” said Sharon Ramsay, burns nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, in a warning issued by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Unlike hot water, which flows away more quickly, the gel-like substance can remain in contact with the skin and continue to transfer heat. Prolonged contact can worsen the depth of burns.

The DGCCRF advises against sharing videos showing children or teenagers heating these toys in microwaves or using them in ways for which they were not designed.

Chemical Concerns

The concern is not limited to thermal burns. The chemical composition of soft toys intended for use by children has been the subject of toxicologic research for several years.

A study published in Environment International analyzed the substances found in different plastics used to manufacture toys. Of the 419 chemicals identified in hard plastics, soft plastics, and foams, 126 were classified as potentially concerning to health on the basis of the researchers’ exposure and risk model.

Research specifically examining “Squishy” toys has also assessed emissions of volatile organic compounds. In 2018, Danish authorities conducted an analysis and risk assessment of fragrances and other organic substances released by these products.

These findings support continued monitoring of the toys’ chemical composition, but do not justify considering all “Squishy” toys as toxic. Ongoing analyses will determine whether any products fail to meet safety requirements, pose a hazard, or should be withdrawn or recalled.

Parent Advice

While the analysis continues, the DGCCRF advises checking for the CE mark and age range on packaging to ensure consumer safety and product conformity. The CE mark serves as a manufacturer’s declaration that a product meets the core EU safety, health, and environmental rules.

Parents should also inspect toys for damage and discontinue their use if there is even a small crack. An unusual odor, particularly one resembling petroleum or gasoline, should prompt them to stop using the toy. Most importantly, these toys should never be heated or placed in a microwave.

For burns, medical guidelines recommend cooling the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes. Ice should not be applied, and clothing stuck to the skin should not be removed. Children should undergo medical evaluation, particularly if the burn is deep or affects the face.

The DGCCRF also recommends consulting a healthcare professional if a child develops a skin reaction after handling a “Squishy.” Ongoing analyses will help determine whether the incident was isolated, involved a counterfeit product, or indicated a broader risk associated with certain types of toys.

This story was translated from MediQuality, part of the Medscape Professional Network.