Slime toys can be dangerous for children's health

Toy slime recently popular with children. This colorful, chewy and sticky mucus also manages to grab the attention of adults. Unfortunately despite playing slime said to help relieve stress, there are health hazards that parents need to know.

What is that slime?

This chewy toy has a thick, sticky texture like glue, in a variety of interesting colors. Some toys slime can even be sprinkled with shiny knick-knacks to enhance your appearance.

Slime was originally produced by the Mattel toy company in 1976. slime made from guar gum from guar seed extract. But now slime made of sodium borate or borax and water.

Toy hazards slimefor health

1. Contains boron

According to the Public Interest Research Group in the United States, toys slime dangerous because it contains boron. Boron is a mineral that is often used in industrial products such as detergents and fertilizers.

Quoted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure or inhalation of boron can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat. If ingested, boron can irritate the digestive tract and cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive disorders.

No one knows the exact dosage of boron in slime toys. However, ingesting large doses of boron at one time can be fatal. Ingesting 5-6 grams of pure boron can cause death in children. The lethal dose of boron for adults is estimated to be 15 to 20 grams.

2. Contains borax

As already mentioned above, borax toys on the general market are made with borax. According to Robin Jacobson, a pediatrician at NYU Langone Medical Center, direct exposure to borax can cause a burning sensation on the skin, especially if you touch it too often.

During toy making slime, Borax vapors may rise into the air and be inhaled and then irritate the respiratory tract. Meanwhile, if swallowed in large doses, the result is poisoning.

Make toys slime alone

Not all products slime includes ingredients and warnings on the packaging. So you as a parent must be wiser and more careful when you want to buy toys slime for children.

Generally slime which is safe and can still be tolerated the danger contains boron substances not more than 300 mg / kg. If it is more than this limit, you should not buy it.

Alternatively, you can invite your children to make toys slime itself with safer ingredients. Simply mix the cornstarch, chia seeds, and gelatin in a container and then continue to knead until it becomes tough. To add beauty slime, add safe food coloring from the bakery.

The safe way to play slime

Dr. Kyran Quinlan, chair of the poison prevention and management department of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the dangers of play slime can actually be prevented.

Parents need to supervise their children while playing so they don't get it slime bitten, eaten, or swallowed. Also, don't let the slime get into the child's eyes and nose.

During play, also make sure that the child does not put his hand in his mouth or rub his eyes. Parents can also ask children to wear gloves when playing slime so that their skin does not come into direct contact with mucus.

Afterwards, ask the children to wash their hands with soap and running water after playing.