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Microwaved Fidget Toy Explodes, Burns Children
16 Jul
Summary
- Two girls were burned by a microwaved fidget toy.
- The incident was linked to a dangerous social media challenge.
- The toy manufacturer warns against heating or freezing the product.
A dangerous social media trend involving microwaving NeeDoh, a popular gel-filled fidget toy, has led to serious injuries. Two girls, aged 4 and 8, were burned on Long Island when the toy ruptured and exploded after being heated in a microwave. This incident is linked to a TikTok challenge that has also caused burns to children in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and New Mexico.
Schylling, the toy's manufacturer, is working to remove online content depicting the misuse of their product. The company emphasizes that NeeDoh packaging explicitly warns consumers against heating, freezing, or microwaving the toys. Medical professionals highlight the severe and potentially permanent damage such burns can inflict on children's tissues, even after brief contact.
This situation underscores a growing pattern where viral trends spread rapidly, outpacing safety warnings and leaving parents as the primary defense against potentially hazardous challenges. Officials are collaborating with social media platforms to address the spread of dangerous content and ensure consumer safety.
