Parents are being cautioned about a trendy children’s toy that has been associated with a series of severe accidents resulting in children suffering from significant burns. These soft, squeezable cubes filled with a gel liquid have gained popularity as summer toys, leading to a surge in knock-off versions being sold online and in stores.

Several inexpensive products found nationwide have been found to contain various harmful chemicals, including high levels of benzene, a known carcinogenic substance. To address this issue, Trading Standards officers are conducting inspections at retail outlets to ensure that any dangerous examples are promptly removed from shelves.

Children have been experimenting with microwaving these pliable plastic cubes, leading to unfortunate incidents. One recent victim of this trend is Violet Zerbst, who suffered severe burns and blisters after placing her toy in the microwave for just 30 seconds. When she squeezed the toy afterward, the heated contents exploded on her face, causing the injuries. Violet recounted the terrifying experience, mentioning how the liquid inside the toy burst onto her face when she squished it.

Her father described the distressing moment when he heard his daughter’s screams, realizing that something had gone terribly wrong. The substance from the toy was described as sticky and scalding, adhering to Violet’s face. Violet endured significant pain and a week-long hospital stay due to the incident and is now advocating for increased awareness regarding the hazards associated with these toys and the related social media challenges.

Similarly, 10-year-old Bella from Bristol suffered traumatic burns after heating a similar toy in a microwave. Bella’s mother, Charlotte, shared the distressing experience, highlighting the danger posed by the toy’s outer silicone layer that masked the internal heat, leading to the explosion when squeezed.

In response to these incidents, Trading Standards has issued guidance advising parents to carefully inspect toys before purchase. The authorities emphasize the importance of toys displaying the name and address of a UK-based importer or EU-based manufacturer, along with either the mandatory “CE” or “UKCA” marking indicating compliance with safety regulations.

Authorities are actively investigating the situation and caution parents to remain vigilant against viral online challenges involving these toys, as they pose a serious risk of injury to children.