UAE Parents Urged to Stop Viral ‘Microwave Slime’ Trend
Dubai authorities and medical experts are sounding the alarm over a dangerous social media trend that encourages children to heat toy slime in microwaves. While these experiments might seem like harmless fun during the summer break, doctors warn that the chemical composition of slime—typically made from PVA glue and borate activators—can lead to severe, lava-like burns. When heated, the material creates pockets of superheated steam that can burst and splatter, potentially causing second or third-degree burns on the hands and face, or even lasting vision damage if it hits the eyes. Furthermore, heating these synthetic polymers releases toxic vapors that can severely irritate the lungs, posing a significant risk to children with respiratory issues like asthma.
Experts emphasize that the responsibility for safety lies in open communication rather than just strict surveillance. Since children are often influenced by edited viral videos that mask the dangers of these activities, parents are encouraged to discuss the reality behind online challenges and teach kids to verify the safety of an experiment before attempting it. By maintaining an environment where children feel comfortable reporting accidents without fear of blame, parents can ensure that if a mishap does occur, it receives the necessary medical attention immediately. Ultimately, households are advised to enforce a strict rule: any activity involving chemicals, heat, or fire should never be conducted without direct adult supervision.