You’ve probably seen them in the hands of young children, in toy stores, or in viral videos on social media. Squishies are very popular toys, but the national government has banned the sale throughout Argentina of a specific brand of Squishies because they contain dangerous levels of chemicals. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this measure and what to do if you have one at home.
What exactly is a “Squishy” toy?
“Squishies” are those soft, almost jelly-like, sponge-like little toys that can be squeezed with your hands and slowly return to their original shape.
They usually come in pastel colors, are shaped like animals or food, and have become an absolute craze among children and teenagers. Every kid wants one.
Details of the ban: why they’re toxic
The decision was made official by the Undersecretariat for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade after these products underwent various laboratory tests.
The Pinch Family brand toys, imported from China, contained concentrations of a toxic chemical that exceeded the limits set by safety standards (in some cases, doubling the permitted dose).
The substance detected is dioctyl phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer used by manufacturers to give the toy its characteristic soft texture. According to experts, this chemical is classified internationally as highly hazardous:
- It’s an endocrine disruptor: It alters the hormonal system, potentially affecting reproductive development during childhood and causing precocious puberty.
- Possible carcinogen: Various international health agencies (such as the IARC) warn of their potential to cause different types of cancer, such as liver cancer.
- Metabolic disorders and toxicity: Continued exposure is associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
In addition, many of the Pinch Family shipments lacked proper labeling.
What happens now with the products currently on sale?
The official order is for the immediate cessation of their sale. This means that importers, distributors, and retailers must immediately remove all units from the market and dispose of them safely. And those who sell these products through online stores, social media, or e-commerce platforms have 72 business hours to post prominent warnings about the ban.
If you bought a squishy from this brand, the safest thing to do is to keep it away from children immediately to prevent them from handling it and being exposed to these chemicals.
