The latest viral toy may be hiding a dirty little secret.
Squishy dumpling toys have captivated children and adults alike with their satisfying, stress-relieving texture and the thrill of collecting.
But a Canadian father began to worry after his daughters brought home several knockoff versions that, he said, emitted ‘a very strong smell.’
So Jordan Collinet decided to put the toys to the test, using an air quality monitor to see exactly what might be lurking inside the squishy craze.
The original toy is manufactured by RMS, but its popularity has led to the market being flooded with imitation versions from numerous manufacturers.
Collinet tested two brand-new knockoff dumplings by placing them inside a ziplock bag with a portable air quality monitor.
The device measures total volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other indicators of indoor air quality.
The reading quickly hit its maximum display value of 9.999, indicating the sensor detected a very high concentration of airborne chemicals, though the consumer-grade monitor could not identify the specific compounds or determine whether they posed a health risk.
Pictured is the same brand used by the Candian dad in the at-home testing that detected a very high concentration of airborne chemicals
VOCs and formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and, at high levels or with prolonged exposure, have been linked to headaches, respiratory problems and other health issues.
Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and lung disease.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can deprive the body’s organs of oxygen, while elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause drowsiness, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
‘Ages three and up,’ Collinet said in a TikTok video, as he pointed to the age restriction on the packaging.
‘Do you really think this is appropriate for your three-year-old to be putting in their mouths, up to their face, all over their hands, doing whatever else with?’
There is no specific U.S. federal limit for TVOC emissions from toys, so a reading of 9.999 on a portable air quality monitor cannot be directly compared with a legal ‘safe level’ for toys.
Collinet’s discovery follows testing by the UK’s Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, which enforces consumer laws, who detected several potentially harmful airborne chemicals commonly found in plastics, fuels and industrial products.
Rhys Harries, Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, said in a statement: ‘These products are clearly attractive to children because they are being driven by online trends, but that does not mean they are safe.
While the original toy is made by RMS, because of its popularity, dupes are now being producted by a wide range of manufacturers. Pictured: a real RMS Squishy Dumpling (left) vs. a lookalike (right)
‘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. Our main concern is the risk posed to children if unsafe items end up in homes, school bags or play areas.’
Swansea Council received multiple complaints from parents who said the toys emitted a strong petrol-like odor.
In response, officials tested several products and detected the presence of VOCs.
‘These substances are associated with the petrol-like smell that has been reported, explained the Council.
The levels identified in test certificates have raised significant safety concerns, and some of the chemicals detected are recognized as hazardous.’
Collinet’s discovery follows testing by the UK’s Swansea Council’s Trading Standards Officer, which enforces consumer laws, which detected several potentially harmful airborne chemicals commonly found in plastics, fuels and industrial products.
Officials also found that many of the toys failed to meet basic safety standards because they were missing important information on their labels.
Some did not include instructions on what to do if the toy leaks or is punctured, while others lacked the marks showing a product has undergone safety checks.
‘Social media platforms such as TikTok can accelerate the spread of toy crazes almost overnight, but they can also help point Trading Standards towards the latest fake, unsafe or non-compliant products entering the market,’ said Harries.
‘We would urge parents to be cautious, to buy from reputable retailers, and to check for the correct safety markings and supplier details.
‘We would also ask businesses to be alert to fast-moving trends and make sure the products they stock meet legal safety requirements.’
This week, officials in the UK recalled the dumplings manufactured in China, specifically those sold by Samsons Cash and Carry, which were found to contain an excess concentration of benzene.
