Squishy toys, known for their slow-rising, soft texture and often sweet scents, have become widely popular for sensory stimulation and stress relief. These colorful items are typically manufactured from polyurethane (PU) foam or a similar memory foam-like material. However, the manufacturing process and the chemicals used to create their texture and scent have raised concerns regarding their safety and potential toxicity for children. Investigating the composition of these toys is important to understand the actual risks associated with them.
Identifying the Specific Toxic Components
The primary safety concern centers on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted from solids or liquids. These compounds cause the distinct chemical odor or artificial fragrance associated with many squishy products. The polyurethane foam can release residual chemicals from its production process, a phenomenon known as off-gassing.
Specific VOCs frequently identified in testing of non-compliant squishy toys include dimethylformamide (DMF), toluene, formaldehyde, and styrene. DMF and toluene are common industrial solvents. When found in toys, these VOCs are typically present as unreacted manufacturing residues or as components of the dyes and adhesives used.
Beyond VOCs, safety concerns also involve plasticizers and heavy metals, particularly in low-quality or non-certified imported toys. Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, are often restricted in children’s toys due to their association with hormonal disruption. While squishy toys are primarily foam, any plastic components or poor-quality coatings may contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which are strictly limited in toys due to their toxicity.
Exposure Pathways and Associated Health Risks
The chemicals present in squishy toys can enter a child’s body through several distinct pathways, with inhalation being the most common route. Volatile organic compounds like DMF and toluene are easily released into the air through off-gassing, and the concentration is often highest when the toy is new. Children who play with these toys for extended periods or who sleep with them in their bedrooms are exposed to these airborne chemicals.
Inhalation of these VOCs can lead to immediate effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and airways. Exposure to substances like toluene and formaldehyde has been linked to symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and the exacerbation of asthma or other respiratory issues. Prolonged or high-level exposure to certain VOCs, such as DMF, has been associated with more serious outcomes like liver damage and effects on the nervous system.
Dermal contact is another pathway, especially if the child is sensitive to the dyes or artificial fragrances used to scent the toys. This can result in skin irritation, redness, or allergic contact dermatitis. Furthermore, for infants and toddlers who frequently put objects in their mouths, ingestion of small pieces or chemical residue is a risk, particularly because the soft foam material can be easily torn apart.
Consumer Guidance and Regulatory Standards
Parents can look for products that comply with established toy safety standards set by government agencies. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandates that all children’s toys meet the requirements of ASTM F963, a comprehensive safety standard. This standard includes strict limits on lead, phthalates, and other hazardous substances.
Similarly, in the European Union, toys must adhere to the Toy Safety Directive and the REACH regulation, which restrict many chemicals, including phthalates and heavy metals. The presence of a CE mark is the manufacturer’s declaration that the toy conforms to the EU’s health and safety standards. While not always a guarantee, these markings indicate the product has undergone a certification process.
Practical guidance for parents involves selective purchasing. Toys with a strong, lingering chemical or artificial smell should be avoided, as this odor is a common indicator of high VOC content. Parents should also be wary of extremely low-priced or non-branded toys, which may lack testing and certification. If a child exhibits symptoms like a rash, persistent cough, or nausea after playing with a squishy toy, the item should be immediately discarded, and medical advice should be sought to address the exposure.