HANOI, Vietnam – August 6, 2025 – A five-year-old boy was rushed to the emergency room in Hanoi this afternoon after suffering a severe allergic reaction just 30 minutes after playing with toy slime. The incident has triggered an urgent warning from health experts to parents about the potential dangers lurking in unregulated and low-cost children's toys.
According to the family, the boy was playing with a colorful pot of slime, often called "monster goo" (chất nhờn ma quái) in Vietnamese, when he suddenly began showing distressing symptoms. Within half an hour, he developed severe swelling around his eyes and mouth, began vomiting, and started coughing persistently.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, his parents immediately transported him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors diagnosed him with an acute allergic reaction, believed to have been caused by direct contact with hazardous chemicals present in the toy.
The case serves as a stark and frightening reminder of the hidden risks associated with the countless toys of unknown origin that are widely available on online marketplaces and from street vendors.
The Hidden Dangers in Toy Slime
While slime is a popular toy beloved by children for its vibrant colors and malleable texture, health experts warn that unregulated versions can be a toxic cocktail of industrial chemicals. To keep production costs low, illicit manufacturers often use hazardous materials that are not approved for use in children's products.
These can include:
Borax (Sodium Borate): A common ingredient in cleaning agents, borax is often used as a cheap thickening agent in counterfeit slime. It can cause severe skin irritation, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and is toxic if ingested.
Industrial Dyes and Heavy Metals: The bright, appealing colors can come from cheap industrial dyes containing toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. These substances are neurotoxins that can cause long-term developmental damage in children.
Unknown Additives and Scents: Other unlisted chemical plasticizers, preservatives, and artificial fragrances can act as potent allergens, triggering reactions ranging from mild rashes to the severe, systemic response seen in this case.
An Urgent Call for Parental Vigilance
This incident highlights a critical public health issue. As these products often lack proper labeling, ingredient lists, or safety certifications (like Vietnam's CR mark), parents are left in the dark about what their children are being exposed to.
In response to this event, child safety advocates are urging parents to take the following precautions:
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Purchase toys only from trusted, established stores and well-known brands that are accountable for their product safety.
- Check for Safety Labels: Always look for safety certification marks on the packaging and clear information about the manufacturer.
- Supervise Playtime: Closely monitor children when they are playing with new toys, and watch for any signs of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Enforce Good Hygiene: Insist that children wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after playing with slime or similar products.
- Consider Safe Alternatives: A safer option is to make homemade slime using common, food-grade kitchen ingredients like cornstarch, flour, and food coloring.
The health and safety of children must be the paramount concern. This unfortunate incident underscores the need for parents to be vigilant consumers and for stricter enforcement against the trade of dangerous, unregulated toys.
