Parents are being cautioned to ensure that children do not leave squishy toys in vehicles during hot weather to prevent potential accidents. Several incidents have been reported where these toys, filled with liquid gel, have exploded, causing injuries to young individuals. In some cases, children have suffered burns when the toys ruptured after being left in a car on a sunny day.
In West Virginia, USA, a 13-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital this week after a squishy toy left in a car exploded, drenching her in hot liquid gel. The gel adhered to her skin, necessitating medical attention to remove it safely. Another teenager faced a similar situation in New Mexico, highlighting the dangers associated with these toys.
Matt Clamp, an automotive expert at Scrap Car Comparison, emphasized the risk posed by high temperatures inside parked cars. The interior temperatures can exceed 50C in less than an hour, causing gel-filled toys to soften and potentially burst. The gel’s adhesive nature can make it challenging to remove from the skin, requiring immediate medical intervention if a toy bursts.
Clamp also warned about the potential damage these toys can cause to a vehicle’s interior, with melted gel staining upholstery, carpets, and trim. Repair costs for such damage can be substantial, affecting the car’s resale value. He advised checking vehicles for items sensitive to heat before leaving them parked or driving off to prevent injuries and costly damage.
In addition to squishy toys, other items like aerosols, batteries, medicines, chocolate, and plastic water bottles can also be problematic in hot weather. Trading Standards have issued a caution against heating these toys in a microwave, as it can lead to injuries. With temperatures expected to soar during the ongoing heatwave, vigilance in safeguarding against potential hazards is crucial.