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6d ago

Viral NeeDoh Challenge Burns Children After Toys Are Heated

Officials say heating sugar‑based, gel‑filled squishy toys can cause explosions that spray scalding gel onto children.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Caleb Chabolla, an Illinois boy, with burns on his face after putting a sensory toy in the microwave, Image 2 shows Seven-year-old Scarlett Selby in hospital with burns to her face, eyes closed, with a nasal cannula and medical tape on her face, and an IV in her arm, Image 3 shows A person's hand squeezing a blue NeeDoh stress ball
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Overview

  • Local officials on Long Island have warned after a microwaved toy burst and burned two girls who were treated in a hospital burn unit.
  • Doctors across several states and the UK report a pattern of severe pediatric injuries from altered NeeDoh toys, including second- and third-degree burns, skin grafts, and cases requiring intensive care.
  • The toys contain a sugar‑based gel that can expand or thicken when heated or left in extreme heat, raising internal pressure and sometimes causing the casing to rupture and expel hot, sticky material.
  • Manufacturer Schylling labels its products to warn against heating, freezing, or microwaving and is working with social platforms to remove videos that promote the dangerous challenge.
  • Clinicians and fire officials urge parents to keep these toys out of hot cars, supervise use, cool any burn under running water for about 20 minutes, and seek prompt medical care for burns to the face, hands, airway, or large areas.