Squishy dumpling toys popular among children could pose serious health risks, including exposure to potentially cancer-causing chemicals, intestinal blockages and severe burns, a Universiti Malaya medical expert has warned.
Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine clinical lecturer Dr Khoo Wee Vien said some of the toys may contain chemicals such as benzene, toluene and xylene, which could be harmful, particularly after prolonged exposure.
She said long-term exposure to benzene, particularly over a period of more than a year, could increase the risk of cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
Pregnant women exposed to benzene could also face risks to their unborn babies, including potential genetic mutations, she added.
The chemicals are highly volatile and can enter the body through inhalation, potentially causing coughing, a sore throat, headaches and dizziness.
If swallowed, they could cause vomiting, stomach pain, seizures and even death, while contact with the eyes could result in irritation, redness and skin peeling, Dr Khoo said.
Water Beads Could Block Children’s Intestines
Some squishy dumpling toys also contain water beads, which can be dangerous if swallowed, particularly by children under five.
Dr Khoo warned that the beads could expand inside the body and block the small intestine, potentially requiring surgery.
Their shiny, transparent appearance could also make them look like jelly sweets, increasing the risk of young children mistaking them for food.
Heating Toys Could Cause Severe Burns
Dr Khoo also warned against a trend of children heating squishy dumpling toys in microwave ovens.
“When heated, the toys can expand and explode like a bomb, potentially causing severe skin injuries,” she said.
The same danger could arise when the toys are left inside cars for extended periods and exposed to high temperatures.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to hazardous chemicals because of their smaller body size. They may also be tempted to lick or swallow unfamiliar toys.
Doctor Tests Toys Bought Online
To investigate the potential risks, Dr Khoo said she purchased five squishy dumpling toys online, with prices ranging from RM4 to RM14.40.
She was surprised to learn from journalists that the toys were also being sold outside some school gates to attract pupils.
One online shopping advertisement had even described a product as “100% Authentic”, despite concerns over counterfeit toys being widely available online and elsewhere.
Although none of the five toys smelled of petrol when their packaging was opened, all felt sticky to the touch, she said.
In one experiment, Dr Khoo heated a toy in a microwave oven for one minute before measuring the temperature of the liquid inside.
The temperature exceeded 100 degrees Celsius, the boiling point of water, posing a risk of severe burns if touched, particularly for children with sensitive skin.
In another test, she cut open a toy containing water beads measuring approximately 0.5cm each. She noted that the shiny, transparent beads resembled jelly sweets and could easily attract children.
Dr Khoo said the next stage of the experiment involved soaking all the beads in water for eight hours.
Parents Urged To Check Toys Carefully
Dr Khoo stressed that squishy dumpling toys were not the only products that could pose safety risks, urging parents to inspect toys carefully before allowing children to use them.
She advised parents to discard squishy toys immediately if they felt sticky or had a petrol-like smell. They should also avoid leaving the toys in cars and steer clear of products containing small beads.
She added that the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and countries in the European Union had issued public warnings or banned the sale of squishy dumpling toys.
With counterfeit products readily available, Dr Khoo urged parents to remain cautious about claims made by sellers and to prioritise children’s safety when purchasing toys.
