Children require surgery after microwaving "squishy" toys in online trend
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Several children have sustained severe burns and required skin grafts after participating in a social media trend involving microwave-heated toys. Experts are urging parents to warn their children about the dangers of heating these items.
Amalgamated from The Mirror (opens in new tab), The Independent (opens in new tab), The Sun (opens in new tab)
Several children have sustained severe burns and required skin grafts after participating in a social media trend involving the microwave heating of "squishy" toys. These items, which are often described as "squishy dumplings," were subjected to heat in microwaves, resulting in medical emergencies for several minors.
Reporting from The Independent indicates that microwaving such products can cause them to explode or melt, leading to immediate and severe skin burns. The trend has gained traction across various social media platforms, prompting warnings from safety experts regarding the physical risks of these items when subjected to heat.
According to The Sun, some children involved in the trend may require months of medical treatment for their injuries. The publication notes that experts are calling on parents and guardians to monitor their children's activities online and prevent them from engaging with these products. The Mirror also highlights the severity of the cases, noting several instances where surgery was required to treat burns caused by what The Sun describes as "explosive" items when heated.
Why this matters
The incident highlights the risks associated with children participating in viral social media trends and the potential physical hazards of using household appliances for purposes other than those intended. It also underscores the importance of parental supervision regarding online content consumption.
What's confirmed / what isn't
Multiple outlets confirm that children were injured and required skin grafts after microwaving "squishy" toys as part of an online trend. The specific terminology describing the products, such as "squishy dumplings" or "explosive," is attributed to reporting by *The Sun*.
Background
Squishy toys are foam-based stress relief items characterized by their soft, malleable texture. They are not designed to be heated or used in microwave ovens.