The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety alert on August 5 regarding counterfeit "squishy" toys and a related social media trend. The agency warned that heating these toys in microwaves can cause them to burst or explode, leading to severe burn injuries and exposure to hazardous materials.
The warning follows reports of a viral trend where social media users microwave the toys to see them expand or change texture. In January, a 9-year-old boy in Plainfield, Illinois, was treated for second-degree burns at a burn center after a squishy toy exploded in a microwave, covering his face and hands in hot material.
The CPSC reported that many counterfeit versions of these toys do not meet federal safety requirements. Officials have identified 55 shipments of non-compliant toys at U.S. ports, working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to block 355,683 units from entering the country. These products often lack required safety warnings, age grading, and manufacturer identification.
The day-to-day impact for consumers involves a change in purchasing and maintenance habits. The CPSC advises parents to inspect packaging for misspelled words or missing tracking information and to immediately discard any toys that show signs of tearing or breaking. If a burn occurs, the agency instructs caregivers to place the affected area under cool running water for 20 minutes and wash with mild soap to remove materials like water beads, gels, or powders that may have leaked from the toy.
The alert highlights broader risks involving chemical and physical hazards. The CPSC stated that some toys contain water beads that can cause intestinal blockages or choking if swallowed, while others may contain excessive lead or prohibited phthalates. Beyond immediate injury, the agency warned that unknown filling materials could lead to chemical exposure or inhalation hazards. The CPSC has not specified a deadline for further regulatory action but continues to monitor ports and retail shipments to prevent the distribution of these items.