Weird2 min(s) read
Published 09:09 27 Jun 2026 GMT
A father was left stunned after testing one of his daughter's favourite viral toys and discovering it appeared to release potentially harmful chemicals.
Jordan Collinet, who shares product safety tests on social media under the handle @learning.the.limits, decided to investigate the hugely popular "squishy dumplings" after noticing a strong chemical smell coming from them.
The toys, which have become a viral sensation on TikTok especially popular among children and collectors, are small squishy collectibles designed to look like dumplings, with some rare versions depending on their color, Gold being the rarest one.
But Collinet wanted to know whether the toys were safe to keep around the house.
The dad used a device designed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that can be released into the air from certain products and materials.
VOCs can include substances such as benzene, formaldehyde and toluene, some of which have been linked to serious health risks after prolonged exposure.
In a video recently shared online, Collinet first tested the toys in open air, where the readings appeared normal.
However, after placing two of the toys alongside the testing device inside a sealed zip-lock bag, the results changed dramatically.
The device recorded a TVOC reading of 9.999, the highest level the machine can display.
"Are the viral squishy dumplings polluting your whole room?" Collinet asked viewers while documenting the experiment.
According to research published on PubMed, VOCs are chemicals released as gases from certain liquids and solids.
Exposure to elevated levels of VOCs has been linked to symptoms including headaches, eye irritation, sore throats, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Some VOCs, including benzene, have also been classified as carcinogens.
The findings come after Trading Standards officers in Swansea issued warnings about similar toys being sold online.
Officials urged parents to be cautious if the products give off a strong chemical smell or are missing important safety information.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council's Trading Standards Officer, said: "These products are clearly attractive to children because they are being driven by online trends, but that does not mean they are safe.
"When a toy gives off a strong chemical smell and is missing basic safety information, that should ring alarm bells for parents and retailers alike."
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has also warned about certain squishy toys after identifying excessive levels of benzene in some products.
According to the agency, benzene can cause irritation if inhaled and is classified as a carcinogenic substance.
The UK Health Security Agency states that benzene is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia and has also been linked to other cancers.
It's important to note that Collinet's test was not designed to determine whether a specific toy causes cancer or disease.
However, the results have sparked fresh concern among parents about the potential presence of harmful chemicals in products marketed towards children.
