Most parents don't think twice before picking up a soft toy that promises hours of fun. If it looks harmless and is widely available, it's easy to assume it has already passed every necessary safety check.
However, reporting by UNILAD highlights growing concerns from UK trading standards officials, who are warning families to pay closer attention when buying popular squishy toys.
The advice follows investigations into some products that were found to contain benzene, a chemical associated with serious health risks.
Check the packaging
According to trading standards manager Helene Corlette, one of the simplest ways to judge whether a toy appears legitimate is to examine its packaging carefully.
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Products that comply with UK safety rules should clearly display the name and address of a UK manufacturer or importer, together with age recommendations, safety instructions and other required information. Missing or incomplete labelling should be treated as a warning sign.
While established toy brands say their products undergo extensive testing before reaching stores, officials stress that not every squishy toy available online or through discount retailers is subject to the same level of oversight.
Watch for warning signs
The packaging is only part of the picture. Parents are also encouraged to pay attention once the toy is removed from the box.
Signs that should raise concern include:
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- A strong chemical smell
- A sticky or greasy surface
- Unusual changes in the material after normal use
If any of these issues are noticed, experts recommend removing the toy from use immediately until its safety can be confirmed.
Why experts are concerned
The latest warning follows action by several UK councils after tests identified benzene in certain squishy toys. According to the American Cancer Society, long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of blood cancers, including leukaemia.
Public attention also intensified after a father used a volatile organic compound (VOC) meter to test several squishy toys, recording unusually high readings before reporting his findings to Health Canada.
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