Warning flag raised again over 'toxic' toy slimes

Slime / Korea Times file

By Lee Suh-yoon

A majority of toy slimes on the market contain harmful levels of chemicals, according to a study published on Tuesday.

A research team at Seoul National University's Institute of Health and Environment found 25 out of 30 slime products on the market had seven times the recommended levels of boron by the European Union.

Boron is a chemical compound found in borax, a key ingredient that creates the slime's gooey texture. Excessive exposure to boron can cause skin inflammation, headaches, diarrhea and vomiting. Repeated exposure has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women.

A liquid- or goo-based toy can contain no more than 300 milligrams of boron per kilogram, according to the EU's safety standards. Korea has yet to set a safety standard for boron concentration in toys.

The 25 tested products had an average boron concentration level of 1,005 milligrams per kilogram.

This is not the first time high toxicity levels have been found in toy slimes. But authorities have not taken active measures to regulate chemical substances in all slime products on the market, only ordering temporary recalls for certain products.

A squishy toy ― fondly referred to as “liquid monster” here ― was successfully marketed as a therapeutic toy on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Over 100 slime-making cafes have popped up in the capital since last year.