Slime has taken the world by storm, captivating both children and adults alike with its mesmerizing textures and sounds.
From ASMR videos to hands-on play, this squishy substance has become a viral sensation. However, is play slime toxic? Slime can contain harmful chemicals that can lead your child down a slippery slope of health effects. Whether you’re making slime ASMR videos or squeezing slime for sensory support, there are safe alternatives to slime made with toxic chemicals. Here’s everything you need to know about slime health effects and how to use slime safely!
What Is Slime?
Slime is a fun, squishy substance that many people enjoy playing with. It’s usually made to be sticky and stretch while feeling soft and gooey to the touch. When you play with slime, it can stretch, squish, and even bounce, making it an engaging sensory experience.
At its core, slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it behaves differently than most liquids. Under gentle pressure, it flows easily, but when you apply force quickly, it can feel solid. This unique property makes slime fascinating for both kids and adults.
There are many variations of slime, ranging from fluffy and light to thick and gooey, each providing a different sensory experience. Some slimes even incorporate colors and textures, like glitter or beads, adding to the visual appeal. Let’s take a closer look at slime types that are trending.
What Types of Slime Are There?
There are various types of slime, each designed for specific purposes, making it a versatile sensory tool for both play and therapeutic use. Here are some popular types of slime, along with their intended purposes:
- Fluffy Slime: Light and airy, this type is often used for stress relief and sensory play due to its soft texture.
- Clear Slime: Transparent and glossy, clear slime is popular for visual appeal and can be used for artistic creations or as a base for adding colors and glitter.
- Butter Slime: This smooth and spreadable slime mimics the texture of butter, making it ideal for tactile exploration and calming sensory experiences.
- Cloud Slime: Made with shaving cream, this type is fluffy and soft, providing a unique sensory experience that many find soothing.
- Bingsu Slime: Incorporating tiny foam beads, bingsu slime offers a crunchy texture that adds auditory stimulation during play.
- Edible Slime: Safe to eat, this type is often made from food ingredients, making it perfect for young children who may put things in their mouths.
- Magnetic Slime: Infused with iron filings, this slime can be manipulated with magnets, providing an educational experience about magnetism alongside sensory play.
These diverse types of slime cater to different preferences and needs, enhancing the overall experience for users.
How Is Slime Used in ASMR?
Create a sensory experience for viewers without putting your health at risk. ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, has become increasingly popular for its calming effects.
This auditory experience evokes a tingling sensation in the scalp, neck, and spine of listeners. These sensations can be triggered by audio stimuli, such as soft whispering, chewing crunchy foods, or playing with squishy objects like slime.
Millions of people watch ASMR videos daily to help relax, relieve stress, and even fall asleep. As a result, many content creators have turned to creating ASMR slime videos, increasing their risk of absorbing harmful chemicals.
What Chemicals Are In Kids Slime?
As parents, we always want to make informed decisions about the products our children use, especially when it comes to popular trends like slime. Traditional slime recipes often include ingredients that may raise health concerns.
The main components of slime are typically polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based glue and borax.
PVA is generally considered safe. However, it can cause some respiratory issues and irritate eyes and skin with repeated use [1].
Borax may also cause many common skin and respiratory problems, much like PVA. However, research indicates borax may also be harmful to immune cells [2]
These findings are concerning, especially for children who are still developing their immune systems. They also tend to put slime in their mouths, increasing the risk of ingesting this harmful chemical.
Slime Toys and EDCs
PVA and borax are behind the ooey, gooey texture of slime. However, there are other chemicals involved in giving slimes their distinct colors and aromas.
Some variations, like cloud slime, incorporate additional chemicals found in shaving cream and artificial snow products, which may contain endocrine-disrupting compounds.
Some ingredients in slime toys that could expose you or your children to EDCs include:
- Shaving Cream: Added to create a fluffy and light texture, shaving cream contributes to the "cloud" effect. Many shaving creams contain phthalates and parabens.
- Instant Snow Powder: This ingredient is often used to give cloud slime its unique texture and appearance, mimicking the look of snow.
- Contact Lens Solution: In addition to borax, other types of contact lens solutions may be used, which could contain per - and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
- Food Coloring or Scent Additives: Optional ingredients that can enhance the visual appeal and sensory experience of the slime. Some dyes may contain heavy metals and other EDCs, while fragrances could contain phthalates.
- Glitter: Typically used to add shimmer and sparkles to slime, glitter may contain phthalates, which could be harmful to your health.
- Fragrance: Fragrance may be added to enhance the sensory experience. However, these scents may contain phthalates.
These components combine to create a soft, fluffy slime that is fun to play with, but parents should be aware of the potential health effects associated with some of these ingredients.
Even in small doses, EDCs can interfere with the body's hormone systems, potentially causing health problems later in life. This is especially concerning for children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of EDCs.
Kids are at higher risk from EDCs because their bodies are still growing and developing. Their systems for eliminating harmful substances aren't as efficient as those of adults yet. This makes them more susceptible to the potential negative impacts of these compounds.
The concern becomes even more significant when it comes to playing with slime. Children often engage with slime for extended periods, increasing their exposure to any harmful ingredients it might contain.
During play, kids might accidentally swallow tiny bits of slime or absorb small amounts through their skin. This prolonged and direct contact raises the risk of exposure to any EDCs present in the slime ingredients.
Despite these concerns, there's no need to completely ban slime from your home. Safe alternatives exist that can provide the same sensory benefits without the potential health risks.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Slime
The good news is that you don't have to give up on slime to stay safe. There are numerous eco-friendly and non-toxic alternatives that provide the same sensory experience without the risks.
Here are some options to consider:
- Cornstarch Slime: Also known as "oobleck," this simple mixture of cornstarch and water creates a fascinating substance that acts as both a liquid and a solid.
- Chia Seed Slime: Mix chia seeds with water for a unique, gel-like slime that's completely edible.
- Flaxseed Slime: Boiled flaxseeds create a slimy texture that's perfect for sensory play.
- Psyllium Husk Slime: This fiber-based slime is safe and offers an interesting texture.
Making Safe Slime at Home
Slime it up at home by making your own slime using safe ingredients. Creating your own slime is easy to do and requires very few inexpensive ingredients.
Here's a simple recipe for eco-friendly cornstarch slime:
- Mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water in a bowl.
- Stir until the mixture reaches a slime-like consistency.
- Add natural food coloring if desired.
- Enjoy your safe, eco-friendly slime!
What Happens If A Kid Eats Slime?
As a parent, it's understandable to feel worried if your child has eaten slime. In small amounts, the slime should pass through their digestive system without harm.
However, keep a close eye on your little one. Look for signs, such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach aches, especially if they've consumed a larger quantity or if the slime contains borax. If large quantities are consumed, there is a risk that the child can experience seizures [3]. If you suspect your child has swallowed large quantities of slime, call Poison Control: 1(800) 222-1222.
Your child's safety is crucial. Always supervise playtime with slime, enforce good hygiene habits, and consider using borax-free recipes to create a fun, worry-free experience for everyone involved.
How to Prevent A Kid from Eating Slime
To prevent children from eating slime, it's essential to supervise them closely during both the making and playing stages. Establish a "no touching your face" rule and encourage regular handwashing after playtime.
Additionally, keep all slime ingredients, particularly borax, out of reach of young children. Consider opting for borax-free recipes to ensure a safer experience for those who may be prone to putting things in their mouths.
Embracing the Slime Trend Responsibly
Choosing non-toxic alternatives of slime, you can allow your children (or yourself) to enjoy the sensory benefits of slime ASMR without compromising on health or environmental concerns. These eco-friendly options provide the same satisfying textures and sounds while being safe for all ages.
Remember, the key to responsible enjoyment of any trend is staying informed and making conscious choices. With these safe slime alternatives, you can fully embrace the slime ASMR phenomenon, knowing you're prioritizing both fun and safety.
So go ahead and dive into the world of slime ASMR with confidence. Create, play, and relax with these safe alternatives, and discover the soothing power of slime for yourself!
Resources
[1] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/source/hsdb/1038
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776007/#
[3] https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Pediatrics/BoraxSlime