A 9-year-old boy in Chicago suffered severe burns and almost lost his eyesight after imitating a social media video by microwaving one of his toys. Caleb Chabolla decided to heat up his NeeDoh Nice Cube sensory toy in the microwave based on a friend’s suggestion that it would make the toy more pliable. When his mother heard his distressing cries from the kitchen, she rushed in to find him in agony.

The toy’s exterior was made of harmless silicone, but its interior contained an adhesive-like substance that expands and bursts under high heat. Upon opening the microwave, the substance exploded onto Caleb’s face, causing him to scream in pain. His mother, Whitney Grubb, quickly took him to the emergency room where he was treated for second-degree burns on his face and hands. Concerned about his eye, which had swollen shut, she sought immediate medical attention at Loyola Hospital.

Medical staff at the hospital cleaned his burns, removed dead skin, and applied ointment. Fortunately, a check-up revealed that his vision was not affected by the incident. Doctors noted that Caleb was not the only child harmed by such actions. Kelly McElligott from Loyola Medicine burn center shared another case where a child’s finger burned after touching the microwaved toy. Caleb spent two days in the hospital but did not require skin grafts, although he may have scarring.

Both Whitney Grubb and Kelly McElligott emphasized the importance of caution and warned against heating similar toys in any manner, as they can pose serious risks. The NeeDoh Nice Cube comes with warning labels advising against heating it. Caleb will have a follow-up appointment at the burn clinic and is expected to resume school activities soon.