Back in the ‘90s, being doused with green slime on Nickelodeon game shows was all the rage. Today, slime has evolved into a DIY craze that blends the elasticity of Silly Putty with the moldability of Play-Doh, available in an array of vibrant colors. It’s become a major hit among kids from preschool age through high school.
Medical professionals and pharmacists are thrilled to see this trend fostering a budding interest in science among the younger generation. However, they’re also issuing a cautionary note regarding the creation and use of slime at home.
Mark Johnston, the program coordinator at the Regions Hospital Burn Center, points out that many slime recipes recommend using Borax, a powerful alkaline agent akin to lye. This ingredient, if mishandled, could lead to chemical burns.
Johnston emphasizes the importance of parental oversight during slime making to ensure children’s safety. His advice includes:
1. Stay Informed About Slime Ingredients
Though the Borax content in most slime recipes is typically harmless in terms of skin absorption, the actual amount used can sometimes exceed what’s recommended. Children, curious and eager by nature, might not always adhere to the principle that less is more, occasionally adding extra or unintended ingredients. This experimentation, while often a positive learning experience, can pose risks when it involves chemicals. By supervising slime creation, parents can monitor ingredient usage, ensure Borax is diluted properly, and guide their children away from unsafe practices.
2. Limit Slime Playtime
Skin irritation from Borax is generally mild but can escalate into severe burns with extended exposure. Similar to other chemical burns, the risk increases the longer the exposure lasts. Monitor your child for any signs of skin reaction during slime play and stop usage immediately if irritation occurs. If a burn develops, rinse the affected area with running water rather than soaking it, and seek medical attention for serious injuries.
3. Monitor Slime Interaction
The eyes, nose, and throat are more sensitive than skin, meaning irritation from slime can occur more quickly in these areas. Implement a strict policy of avoiding face touching during slime play and ensure thorough handwashing afterward. It’s crucial to prevent your child from ingesting slime, especially if it contains Borax. In case of ingestion, contact Poison Control immediately at 800-222-1222.
For children with sensitive skin, consider alternative slime recipes that omit Borax, using a mixture of baking soda and contact lens solution instead. While contact lens solution contains sodium borate like Borax, it’s in much smaller, pre-diluted amounts, offering a safer option for sensitive individuals.
