Is Slime Toxic? This article can answer your question.

Slime burns skin and slime allergies. You may have seen these topics in the news about slime safety.

If you have children, you are worried that the slime you purchased is unsafe and decide to make slime by hand. So, is handmade slime safe or toxic?

I will share my honest thoughts on slime from my experience as a slime manufacturer owner.

What material is slime made of?

Before knowing that slime is poisonous, we need to know what slime is made of.

Principal ingredients used

• List the common ingredients in slime, such as water, PVA （polyvinyl alcohol, common in glue), borax (sodium borate), preservatives, etc.
• Secondary additives: Explore possible added pigments, fragrances, and other ingredients.

Potential risk assessment with the slime material

• Borax Toxicity: High concentrations of borax can cause death.
• Skin Contact: Chemical ingredients that may cause allergic or irritant reactions through skin contact.

How is slime made?

1. Gather Materials

• Glue: Most slime recipes start with either clear or white glue, which typically contains polyvinyl alcohol, serving as the base adhesive for the slime.
• Borax Solution: Borax (sodium borate) is mixed with water as a cross-linking agent that connects glue molecules, creating a dense texture.
• Water: Used to dilute the glue and prepare the borax solution.
• Colorants (optional): Food coloring, glitter, or other safe color additives for embellishing the slime.
• Fragrances or Essences (optional): Added to scent the slime.

2. Prepare Borax Solution

• Dissolve a small amount of borax powder (usually about half a teaspoon) in a cup of water, stirring thoroughly until completely dissolved.

3. Mix Base Materials

• Pour the desired amount of glue into a separate container.
• If using color or decorative additives like glitter, add and mix them at this step.
• Add a few drops of essence or fragrance to enhance the slime's aroma.

4. Gradually Add Borax Solution

• While stirring the glue, slowly add the borax solution. It's unnecessary to add all the borax solution at once; add gradually, adjusting based on the desired consistency and elasticity.
• As you add the borax solution, the glue will polymerize and gradually become a thick slime.

5. Adjust Texture

• Continue stirring and kneading until the slime no longer sticks to your hands and becomes a stretchable, viscous substance.
• Add more water to adjust if the slime is too stiff or dry. If too fluid, add more borax solution.

6. Storage

• Store the slime in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

As you can see, the entire slime production process is a simple chemical reaction with no toxic by-products.

Is handmade slime safe?

This is news that a child burned the skin on his hands while making slime: slime burns skin.

However, the content of the appeal shows that the production of slime is a simple chemical reaction. And the slime material is safe.

Why does slime burn the skin?

There is an important concept here: NOAEL(the No Observed Adverse Effect Level). That is the maximum concentration level at which no adverse effects occur on exposed humans or organisms. Hazards may occur if chemical exposure levels exceed the NOAEL. The magnitude of the adverse effects of a chemical depends on the amount of the chemical taken into the body.

For example, if a person drinks a glass of water, nothing will happen to him. If this person drinks 5 L of water over a short time, this person will be sent to the hospital due to water intoxication. But we don't think of water as poisonous.

Therefore, when making slime by hand, parents should ensure that the concentration of added materials is within a safe range.

Is borax good for slime？

The answer is that only the correct amount is good for slime. NOAEL！

A suitable amount of borax can ensure the slime feels good. Borax (boric acid) can play a role in sterilization, giving slime a longer shelf life than mold.

Too much borax will turn your slime into a hard lump. This is why you can’t add too many activators at one time. The activator may contain borax or boric acid.

Is borax safe to touch?

You can touch it, but only for a short time, as it will irritate the skin. Wash your hands last！

If you have wounds on your skin, touch is not recommended.

 

I like slime so much. How long can I play with slime?

No research has shown the exact time. Based on my personal experience, 15-30 minutes is recommended. Your hands may feel tired if you play longer.

Conclusion: is slime harmful?

As long as the slime is produced formally and passes the toy standard test like EN71 or ASTM F963, then such slime is harmless. On the contrary, slime has many benefits, especially for development and daily relaxation for children and adults.

Benefits of slime:

1. Promote sensory development：

Slime's texture, color, and fragrance can stimulate the senses, especially touch and vision, helping children develop sensory coordination during play.

2. Improve fine motor skills:

Kneading and stretching slime can strengthen the muscles in the fingers and palms, improve hand coordination, and is particularly beneficial for developing children's fine motor skills.

3. De-stress and relaxation

Slime's soft and fun texture can be used as a stress relief tool to help people relieve tension and anxiety. Many adults and children use slime as a way to relax when they are stressed.

4. Stimulation of creativity and imagination

Making and playing with slime can stimulate creativity and imagination. Choosing different colors, additives (such as sequins, beads), and fragrances allows everyone to customize slime to their preferences.

5. Educational Value

Making slime involves basic chemical principles like polymerization. It is a fun way to introduce scientific concepts to children and can increase their interest in science.

6. Social Interaction

Slime is often used as part of activities in social settings, such as school activities or children's parties. It can help children build social skills and teamwork in shared activities.

7. Emotional Expression

For some children who may have difficulty expressing their emotions in words, slime can be used as an expression tool. Through different manipulation methods, children can express their emotions and feelings. In short, slime provides a versatile, fun way to interact and supports development and health on many levels.

Additional: How to choose children's slime?

As a slime factory owner, safety is always the top priority when recommending slime toys for children. Opting for slime toys with simple functions, without many small accessories, can significantly reduce the risk of children swallowing small parts and help avoid using complex or unsafe materials. Here are some specific recommendations:

1. Choose Slime Toys Without Small Parts:

Ensure the slime toys do not contain any small or detachable parts to prevent the risk of children swallowing these components.

2. Verify Product Safety Certification:

Check whether the toy has relevant safety certifications, such as ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or EN71 (European Toy Safety Standards). These certifications ensure that the toy meets safety standards.

3. Read the Ingredients List:

Opt for slimes made with safe ingredients, avoiding those that contain harmful chemicals. Parents should prioritize slimes made with natural ingredients, such as food-grade dyes.

4. Avoid Overly Sticky Slime:

Some slimes that are too sticky may contain excessive amounts of industrial glue and are unsuitable for children. Choosing slimes with an appropriate viscosity can enhance safety.

5. Supervise Usage:

Even the safest slime toys should be used under adult supervision, especially for children under the age of three.

6. Educate Children on Proper Usage:

Teaching children not to put slime in their mouths and how to properly use the toy can greatly reduce safety risks.

By following these recommendations, parents can more confidently choose the right slime toys for their children, ensuring safety while allowing them to develop their manual dexterity and creativity during play.

Think it’s too much trouble to choose? For a great selection of safe and fun slime toys that meet all these criteria, visit our store: Colour Slime Shop-Slime Archive.