Parents are being cautioned to prevent children from leaving squishy toys in hot cars to avoid incidents where the toys explode, causing severe burns to young individuals. These toys, filled with liquid gel, have gained attention as children have experienced explosions while heating them in microwaves, leading to injuries on their faces and hands.
Recent reports highlight cases of children getting hurt when the toys burst after being left in vehicles on hot days. In West Virginia, USA, a 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after a squishy toy she left in a car exploded, drenching her in hot liquid that adhered to her skin, requiring medical attention to remove safely. Another teenager in New Mexico faced a similar situation.
Notably, incidents like these have been occurring over the past few years, underscoring the potential dangers. With rising temperatures, parked cars can quickly become extremely hot, exceeding 50°C within an hour, posing risks for gel-filled toys to soften and burst. The gel in these toys can cause harm by sticking to the skin, necessitating immediate medical care if a burst occurs.
Moreover, leaving such toys in cars can not only harm individuals but also damage the vehicle’s interior. The melted gel can adhere to upholstery, carpets, and trim, resulting in costly cleaning and repair bills that could diminish the vehicle’s resale value. It is advisable to check vehicles for any heat-sensitive items before driving off to prevent injuries and costly damages.
Apart from squishy toys, other items like aerosols, batteries, medicines, chocolate, and plastic water bottles can also pose risks in hot weather. A quick inspection before leaving or driving a car during hotter months can help avoid accidents and financial burdens.
As temperatures are set to rise during the ongoing heatwave, caution is essential. Trading Standards have issued warnings against heating these toys in microwaves due to the risk of explosions and burns, emphasizing the importance of safe handling practices to protect children and avoid accidents.