Popular science toys may hide health risks, experts remind: choosing the right toy can avoid risks

Changsha Evening News All Media Reporter Xu Yuan Intern Zhang LuDuring the National Day holiday, I purchased several sets of science toys to help my children play with their phones less at home. "During the recent holiday, the science toy that combines education and entertainment received a wave of hot sales

Changsha Evening News All Media Reporter Xu Yuan Intern Zhang Lu

During the National Day holiday, I purchased several sets of science toys to help my children play with their phones less at home. "During the recent holiday, the science toy that combines education and entertainment received a wave of hot sales.

Volcano eruptions, colorful fountains, and experiments of turning water into ice... In the eyes of parents, science toys not only satisfy children's curiosity but also cultivate their creativity. But many parents are unaware that some exploratory experimental toys actually carry hidden risks due to their involvement in chemical experiments. In response, Jiang Hua, the director of the Difficult Comprehensive Ward of Hunan Children's Hospital, reminded parents not to purchase toys with unclear ingredient labeling and potential quality and safety hazards. Children should pay attention to wearing protective equipment such as gloves and goggles during certain experiments to avoid accidental injuries.

Scientific toys become popular, and chemical raw materials pose health risks

With the increasing attention paid to science education, science toys have quietly become popular. These types of toys mostly imitate teaching aids or equipment from schools and research institutions, such as test tubes, funnels, droppers, etc., but their actual size is smaller, their colors are bright, and they are closer to children's toys.

Although dressed in the clothing of children's toys, these types of toys are either equipped with chemical materials such as alum and baking soda, or equipped with experimental equipment, posing higher safety requirements.

When parents buy science toys for their children, they should not blindly choose because some toy materials may have safety hazards. "Fan Jianghua introduced that some science toys contain baking soda, alum, potassium permanganate, sodium acetate, and snow powder, etc. If they are not careful, they may become a" health killer "for their children.

For example, inhalation of potassium permanganate can cause respiratory damage, splashing into the eyes can cause burns, and if ingested, it can cause gastric mucosal ulceration; Sodium acetate crystals are likely to undergo weathering and even combustion in the air; The sodium polyacrylate used in snowmaking powder may be industrial grade, and if accidentally entered the eyes or ingested, it can be harmful to the health of children. In addition, baking soda is an alkaline substance, and accidental ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Excessive intake of alum can cause functional damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Many parents believe that as long as their children do not swallow harmful substances into their stomachs, it is safe. In fact, harmful substances do not necessarily enter the body through the mouth to cause harm. Long term inhalation through the mouth and nose or long-term contact with the skin and mucous membranes can have an impact on children's physical health. Especially for children with sensitive skin or allergic constitution, special attention should be paid, as some chemicals can easily cause allergies or contact dermatitis.

Avoid toys hurting people, choose from "three looks"

The reporter logged into various online shopping platforms and found that there are a wide variety of scientific toys. Taking a closer look at the introduction of some toys, although multiple scientific toys display test reports on the promotional page, the content is unclear. There are also some feedback on safety issues in the purchase evaluation, with parents commenting with pictures: "The experimental video and instructions did not mention precautions, and the child's hands were corroded and peeled

Parents who choose toys should have a keen eye, especially those with children under 3 years old. Fan Jianghua said that parents should use the "three looks" to choose toys, first of all, they need to see if the merchant has a business license and purchase from a legitimate toy store; Secondly, it depends on whether the product has the "3C certification" (authoritative certification that combines national safety certification, import safety and quality licensing system, and China's electromagnetic compatibility certification), and it is prohibited to choose "three no products"; Finally, it is necessary to check whether the product clearly indicates its ingredients, precautions for operation, and inquire with the merchant whether it contains supporting protective measures.

At the same time, while ensuring the safety of scientific toy products themselves, attention should be paid to: firstly, protective measures such as protective clothing and goggles should be worn to avoid burning the skin, eyes, mouth, nose, etc. caused by liquid splashing during combustion experiments such as volcanic eruptions; Secondly, it is necessary to strictly follow the experimental instructions and steps provided in the product, and carefully read the precautions to avoid health hazards caused by improper operation; Thirdly, children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by parents, teachers, or professionals for experimental operations to avoid accidents.

For younger children or infants in the "oral desire period" (referring to the specific growth and development stage where infants and young children perceive the size and shape of external things mainly through the contact of their lips and tongue), parents should try to choose larger sized toys or detachable assembly tools. This not only exercises the children's hands-on coordination ability, but also avoids airway obstruction caused by small particles of toys accidentally entering the ears, nose, and throat Harms such as choking.

Parents should try not to purchase small toys that are brightly colored, have small particles, contain button batteries, or have magnetism. Children under 8 years old should avoid buying toys with sharp edges or parts that heat up. Fan Jianghua explained, for example, that magnetic beads the size of soybeans have bright colors and magnetism, which can be pieced together to create various shapes and are popular among children. However, if children accidentally swallow them, multiple magnetic beads can stick together and cause intestinal obstruction. Accidental ingestion of button batteries can corrode the gastrointestinal tract, and in severe cases can cause gastrointestinal perforation. These situations all require emergency surgery, and Hunan Children's Hospital has treated multiple cases of children who swallowed button batteries and magnetic beads.

Beware of "scientific toys" using the name of science

Some businesses label scientific toys as "approaching science, opening up wisdom" and "improving children's scientific literacy", and engage in explosive marketing. However, due to the lack of specific regulations, some products are likely to use the name of "science" to evade regulation under the names of other categories of goods.

Fan Jianghua stated that in fact, science toys are not the only way to approach and experience science. There are many ways for modern society to approach science. Parents can accompany their children to museums, science museums, cultural parks, etc., allowing them to personally experience and experience the charm of science. In addition to outdoor visiting activities, reading is also a good way for children to explore the scientific world. Books such as exploration and popular science are the "golden house" that helps children approach science. At the same time, puzzle toys such as Rubik's Cube, building blocks, and puzzles can also replace scientific toys to inspire children's wisdom and exercise their brain functions.

It is necessary for children born in the internet and high-tech era to learn how to use the internet and technology products. Many parents are afraid of their children's "internet addiction" and prohibit them from using mobile phones, but it is impossible to completely prohibit them. The main causes of "internet addiction" are addiction to online games and unreasonable use of mobile phones. Parents should reasonably regulate their children's time using electronic products, help them form a correct understanding of the internet and high-tech products, and avoid their children from indulging in the internet.

How to avoid injuring people with scientific toys?

1. Purchase products through legitimate channels. Check various product information and do not purchase "three no products".

2. Select experimental toys suitable for children's growth stage based on the age of the product.

1. Experimental preparation. Open and use experimental toys under adult supervision. Before use, parents and children should carefully read the product manual to understand the content, purpose, and operation methods. Parents should also master basic knowledge of emergency rescue.

2. Experimental site. The experimental site should be well ventilated, away from food storage areas and flammable and explosive storage areas, and parents should take good care of it.

3. Experimental process. Carefully wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves as required, and strictly follow the instructions to avoid chemical contact with eyes, mouth, or skin.

4. The experiment is completed. After the experiment, the bottle cap should be tightly closed, experimental waste and residue should be disposed of in a timely manner, and all containers, equipment, and experimental areas should be cleaned. Store scientific experiment toys in a place that is not easily accessible to children.

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