Check KC Mark Before Buying Squishies… Some Products Burst in Just 25 Seconds in Microwave

Before considering the texture, one must first check the safety markings. As a result of an investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency into 15 sensory toys sold online, hazardous substances exceeding domestic toy safety standards were identified in 9 products. In a test where 7 squishies were heated in a microwave, 4 burst between 25 seconds and 2 minutes 30 seconds, and the surface temperature of the products rose to a maximum of 171.2 degrees Celsius.

Hazardous substances exceeding standards found in 9 out of 15 sensory toys

This investigation was conducted on a total of 15 products, including 8 wax balls and 7 squishies currently being sold on the internet. The results showed that 9 products contained substances such as preservatives and phthalate-based plasticizers that exceed domestic toy safety standards.

Among the products investigated, 14 were marked for a usage age of 14 years or older. Considering the high possibility that children would actually use them, the Korea Consumer Agency applied domestic toy safety standards to all 15 products to check their safety. Before purchasing, it is necessary to check who the product is marked for.

Prohibited preservatives detected in all 8 wax balls

In all 8 wax ball products, Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), which are prohibited under domestic toy standards, were detected. These two substances were investigated to be capable of causing allergic skin reactions and eye irritation.

Among these, one product's boron elution level exceeded the allowable limit by 1.3 times. The boron elution level was 1533mg/kg, which was higher than the standard of 1200mg/kg. These results show that in the wax ball product group, cases of exceeding standards for preservatives and other separate standards were identified together.

Phthalate levels 6.6 times the standard in one squishy

In one of the 7 squishies, phthalate-based plasticizers were detected at a level approximately 6.6 times the allowable limit. The detected amount in the product was 0.659%, while the standard was below 0.1%. Phthalate-based plasticizers are classified as endocrine disruptors and are explained in the investigation data to be capable of causing damage to the liver and kidneys.

On the other hand, lead and cadmium were not detected in any of the 15 products investigated. Since the results differed by product group, rather than judging safety based solely on names like "squishy" or "wax ball," one should check the markings and certification of individual products.

Why you should not put them in the microwave

In a test where 7 squishies were heated in a 1000W microwave for up to 3 minutes, 4 burst within a minimum of 25 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds. For all 7 products, the surface temperature rose from 70.0 degrees to a maximum of 171.2 degrees Celsius immediately after heating.

The action of heating products with the thought that it will change the texture by making them warm should be avoided. In fact, in April and May of this year, cases of burns caused by putting squishies in the microwave were reported to the Consumer Injury Surveillance System. The basic response suggested by the Consumer Agency is to keep squishies away from microwaves, high temperatures, and fire, and not to use them for purposes other than those indicated.

Markings to check on packaging and sales pages

Among the 15 products investigated, 8 did not properly list general labeling information such as model name, month and year of manufacture, importer name, address and phone number, and usage age. When purchasing online, one should look not only at the product photos but also at the detailed markings on the sales page and whether essential information is present on the actual packaging.

There were 5 products without warnings for high temperature and fire, and 5 products without warnings regarding ingestion. If children are using them, one should first check for the KC certification mark and read the warning labels, considering the possibility of small parts or contents being put in the mouth.

Check KC certification and stop use if abnormalities occur

The Korea Consumer Agency urged that when purchasing sensory toys for children to use, one should select products marked with the KC certification mark, be careful of high temperatures and fire, and not use them for purposes other than intended. If physical abnormalities such as skin rashes or breathing difficulties appear during use, one should stop use immediately and consult a specialist.

Improvement recommendations were made to 17 businesses that sold or imported products requiring quality and labeling improvements. Among them, 12 businesses have completed the suspension of sales or labeling improvements, or have replied with future improvement plans. For consumers, the priority is to check the certification markings and precautions before purchase and to adhere to the principle of not heating them.