Parents are being cautioned against letting children leave squishy toys in cars during hot weather due to incidents where kids were severely burnt when the toys exploded. These toys, filled with a gel substance, have made headlines as children have experienced explosions when microwaving them, leading to injuries.
Recent reports have emerged of children getting hurt when the toys burst after being left in a hot car. In West Virginia, a 13-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after a squishy toy exploded in the car, drenching her in hot liquid that stuck to her skin, necessitating medical attention to remove it safely. Another similar incident occurred in New Mexico with a second teenager.
One incident shared on Facebook described a toy exploding inside a car, causing distress but no serious harm. With rising temperatures, car expert Matt Clamp warned that parked cars can quickly reach dangerous temperatures, causing gel-filled toys to soften and burst. The gel can adhere to the skin, posing a risk, and immediate medical attention is advised if a toy bursts.
Clamp emphasized that leaving these toys in cars can damage the vehicle’s interior as the melted gel can be difficult to clean, potentially leading to costly repairs. He also highlighted that other items like aerosols, batteries, medicines, chocolate, and plastic water bottles can also be problematic in extreme heat.
As the UK experiences a heatwave, temperatures are set to soar, prompting caution from Trading Standards against microwaving squishy toys. The authorities have warned against this practice due to the risk of burns and injuries to children. It is advisable to check vehicles for such items before leaving or driving off in hot weather to prevent accidents and damage.
