Two Girls Suffer Chemical Burns After Squishy Toy Explodes in Israel

Two separate incidents involving squishy toys have raised safety concerns in Israel after two girls were injured by exploding toys. A 9-year-old girl from the Sharon region was rushed to Meir Medical Center last week after a squishy toy burst in her hands, spraying a white liquid into her eyes and causing chemical burns. Her father recounted that the explosion happened suddenly while she was playing in the car, and despite initial attempts to clean her eyes, her pain worsened, prompting emergency medical care. Doctors diagnosed her with mild chemical burns affecting the cornea and conjunctiva, and she remains in pain several days later, fearing long-term damage.

This case follows a previous report of an 8-year-old girl who had a bead from a squishy toy lodge in her ear, and another incident where a squishy toy exploded after being microwaved. In the UK, thousands of similar squishy toys were recently removed from shelves due to dangerously high benzene levels. Dr. Amir Abd Elqader, head of the cornea service at Meir Medical Center, emphasized that chemical burns to the eyes are medical emergencies that can cause irreversible damage if untreated. He advised immediate eye rinsing with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes, avoiding rubbing, and urgent hospital evaluation.

Authorities and medical experts urge parents to buy only certified safe toys and educate children about the risks of these products. The incidents highlight growing concerns over low-quality squishy toys that can rupture under pressure and release harmful chemicals, posing serious health risks to children.

Summary: Two girls in Israel suffered chemical eye burns after squishy toys exploded, leading to emergency treatment and raising safety alarms about these popular toys. Medical experts stress immediate rinsing and hospital care for chemical eye exposure and call for stricter toy safety awareness.