Illinois Boy, 9, Severely Burned Following TikTok NeeDoh Microwave Trend
A nine-year-old boy from Illinois suffered severe burns after engaging in a dangerous TikTok trend involving a NeeDoh sensory toy. This trend encouraged him to microwave the toy, leading to an explosion of its gelatinous filling.
Incident Details
Caleb Chabolla attempted this challenge on January 20, inspired by a classmate’s suggestion. His mother, Whitney Grubb, reported hearing a distressing scream when the toy exploded, injuring Caleb’s face and hands.
Hospitalization and Treatment
Grubb immediately took her son to a local emergency room. After assessing his injuries, medical professionals transferred him to the Loyola Medicine Burn Center in Maywood, a suburb of Chicago, for specialized care.
- Injuries: Severe burns to the face and hands
- Transfer: Emergency room to Loyola Medicine Burn Center
- Outcome: Caleb spent the night at the burn center
Fortunately, his vision remained unaffected by the incident. Upon returning home, Caleb has been under his mother’s care as he recuperates from his injuries.
Increased Burn Cases Linked to Social Media Trends
According to Paula Petersen, an advanced practice nurse at the burn center, this incident marks the fourth case of burns related to NeeDoh toys this year. Kelly McElligott, the burn outreach coordinator, highlighted the dangers associated with TikTok challenges, noting that often only the entertaining videos are shared, while the harmful outcomes are ignored.
Manufacturer’s Warning
Schylling, the manufacturer of NeeDoh toys, states on its website that these toys should not be heated or microwaved. McElligott emphasized the importance of such warnings, noting that many children do not understand or read labels, which can lead to serious accidents. She pointed out that approximately 30% of the patients in their burn unit are children, underscoring the need for parental vigilance.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for parents to discuss the potential dangers of social media trends and the importance of safety around household items.
