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, leading to emergency medical treatment. Doctors diagnosed her with mild chemical burns to the cornea and conjunctiva, requiring immediate and prolonged eye irrigation to prevent permanent damage. She continues to experience severe eye pain and sensitivity days after the incident.

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 a medical emergency that can cause irreversible damage if untreated. He advised immediate eye flushing with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes, avoiding eye rubbing, and urgent hospital evaluation. He also urged parents to buy only certified safe toys and educate children about the risks of chemical exposure to the eyes and face.

The incidents highlight growing concerns about the safety of low-quality squishy toys that can rupture under pressure and release harmful chemicals. Medical staff reported seeing multiple similar cases recently, underscoring the need for increased awareness and caution among parents and caregivers.