UK children suffer burns from exploding microwave squishy toys

Children in the UK are suffering burns after a dangerous trend of heating squishy toys in microwaves spread on social media. The toys, often called "squishies" or "stress balls," are designed to be soft and pliable. However, some users discovered that microwaving them made them even softer.

Two recent incidents highlight the risks. In one case, 7-year-old Livvy Barnard from Telford microwaved a "NeeDoh" toy. The toy exploded, releasing hot liquid that burned her hand. Her mother stated that Livvy requires daily hospital visits for bandage changes. Another incident involved 10-year-old Bella from Hartcliffe, who microwaved a similar toy after freezing it. When she squeezed the toy after heating, hot gel erupted, splashing onto her face and causing blistering and skin loss. Medical professionals have advised her to avoid direct sun exposure for at least the next two summers.

The trend appears to have originated on platforms like TikTok, where videos demonstrating the microwaving of these toys have gained traction. The BBC and The Sun reported on these incidents, raising awareness about the potential dangers associated with altering these popular children's toys.