EFFECTS OF SLIME TOYS
Slime toys have become popular among children, youth and adults due to its stress relieving and calming texture. The gloppy-like features of slime also allows it to remove dirt between small spaces such as keys, between keyboards or even between the vents of your car – basically places which are hard to reach for.
While it is appealing and relaxing, studies have shown that the product may pose safety and hygienic risks, especially to children. This is because slime is made using chemicals that are harmful to children. One of these is boron- a compound found in borax, which is used in making slime elastic and stretchable. Long-term exposure to this chemical can harm reproductive systems. Furthermore, coming into contact with slime toys containing excessive microorganisms or allergy-causing preservatives may also increase the chance of skin infection or cause allergic reactions.
What is slime made of?
Slime is a gooey, sticky substance made by mixing a compound called Sodium Borate, or Borax with water. It has a thick, glue-like texture and can be made in a variety of colours. This was first introduced by toy maker Mattel in the winter of 1976.
Since then, a large number of variations have been created; some multi-coloured and some glittery; and its popularity has grown with videos of people playing with slime often going viral online.
Why is slime dangerous for children?
The Hong Kong Consumer Council, which conducted a test on 20 models of slime and putty toys to find safety and hygienic risks. Results showed that migration of boron of 70 per cent of the slime models exceeded the European Standard’s recommended upper limit, with the worst model exceeding more than 12 times.
Moreover, two models were detected with total microbial counts exceeding the EU Recommendation’s limit by 23,999 times and 119 times respectively.
Additionally, it was noted that all models did not provide any information of their expiry date and five models failed to provide adequate users’ warnings.
When children, after playing with toys with high migration of boron, touch their mouth or food without first washing their hands thoroughly, they are at risk of ingesting the chemical.
Ingestion of boron, in medium or high dosage may induce nausea and vomiting and, in the long term, have an adverse effect on the fertility.
With such findings, the Hong Kong Consumer Council called for relevant authorities to step up enforcement measures and urged toy manufacturers to strengthen quality inspection to safeguard consumers’ health.
Safety tips for handling slime
If you are allowing your children to make their own “home-made” slime, advise them not to. The common ingredients in slime, borax and its solvents could cause skin burn. Borax and boric acid in powder form can also cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract.
The boron compound also has a negative effect on the environment.
It contaminates water, air and soil. In order to reduce pollution and support sustainable consumption, consumers should avoid purchasing such products.
For consumers who choose to play with slime or putty toys, they should take heed of the following safety tips:
■ Some slime or putty toys may look and smell like beverages or desserts. Parents or adults should accompany children when playing with such toys to prevent accidental ingestion by young children or pets;
■ Clean hands thoroughly before and after playing with slime or putty toys. If itchiness or rash occurs, stop playing with them immediately;
■ Avoid slime or putty toys getting into contact with the eyes, mouth, nose and open wounds, and do not eat or drink at the same time while playing with the toys;
■ If you come across a trader who is engaged in unethical trading practices, contact our National Consumer Helpline on toll-free number 155 or by email on complaints@consumersfiji.org