What is the slime made of and is it safe for health

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Take a closer look at what your child is playing with.

What is a slime?

Slime, which is also called slime (from the English slime - "slime"), we got its name from the character of the movie "Ghostbusters". In the painting, he looked like a slimy green creature with two skinny arms, multiple chins, and no legs.

Homemade slimes have recently become an object of self-expression for teenagers, and for some, a way to make money. For example, a sixteen-year-old girl from Canada became famous as the superstar of homemade slimes.

What is this thing made of?

Chemically, a slime is made up of polymer molecules (such as glue) that form threads like spaghetti. They are related to each other through the addition of a kind of sodium tetraborate sauce - borax. This provides the slime with resilience in response to impact and softness in response to finger pressure.

Slime is made in different ways. Most recipes include sodium tetraborate, which is about 2% slime. Its second component is PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate water emulsion). Often, shaving foam is indicated as an integral part of the slime. The desired color is obtained by adding food coloring. The main volume of slime is purified or distilled water.

On the Internet, they offer to make slime using substances of natural origin:

• Guar gum (locust bean gum), which is obtained from the beans of the Cyamopsis tetraganoloba plant.
• Methylcellulose, which is mainly obtained from wood. It is an activated plant polymer of plant fiber fibers found in toothpaste.
• Corn starch.
• Gelatin.

Wow. Could it be dangerous?

Yes. There was news in the media that a nine-year-old Israeli woman, after playing with a homemade slime, a recipe for which she found on the Internet, became inflamed on the palms of her hands. The girl required long-term treatment.

Here are the ingredients in a slime that can be harmful.

PVA glue

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) is considered a non-toxic, low-hazard compound. It has an unpleasant odor, which is drowned out by flavors. This smell signals that the substance is emitting volatile particles. In this case, these are glue solvents and polyvinyl, which are not dangerous in small concentrations in the air.

The safety data sheet for PVA glue from one of the manufacturers says that it is necessary to work with it with adequate ventilation, in goggles and rubber gloves. It is impossible for the glue to get into the eyes, and if it gets in and rinsing with water does not help, you need to contact an ophthalmologist.

On the packaging must be marked "Keep out of the reach of children." If the glue gets inside the body - by swallowing or inhaling the droplets - it is hazardous to health.

In addition, the glue must not be disposed of down the drain - it kills aquatic organisms.

Borax, or sodium tetraborate

Borax is a boric acid salt. It is sold abroad as a disinfectant. Borax is also found in solutions for handling and storing contact lenses.

A solution containing 20 g of sodium tetraborate in 80 g of glycerin Sodium tetraborate solution in glycerin is used in medicine as a remedy for the treatment of candidiasis (a disease caused by Candida fungi). When using it, you may experience allergic reactions, burning sensation, redness. It is contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as with skin lesions.

On the register of the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the card for this substance is intimidating.

Routes of entry into the body	The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol, by ingestion and through damaged skin.
Inhalation risk	Evaporation at 20 ° C is negligible, however a harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly by dispersion (formation of fine droplets or dust in the air), especially when using powder
Impact of short-term exposure	The substance is irritating to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract, and may cause effects on the central nervous system, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract if taken orally, at high doses or through damaged skin.
Impact of long term or repeated exposure	Repeated or prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis. The substance may cause respiratory tract effects.

Therefore, contact of a child with concentrated solutions, especially with pure borax, should be excluded. If borax is swallowed or inhaled, it is life-threatening.

Natural ingredients

Starch, gelatin and cellulose are breeding grounds for bacteria and molds that can settle in the toy. Over time, slime can become their source, and playing with it can lead to skin infections. Germs can cause disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract if particles are swallowed or if they enter the mouth from the skin of the hands.

What should be remembered so that the toy does not harm?

1. Prolonged contact of the slime with the skin can be dangerous - it cannot be the only and permanent option of leisure.
2. Do not give slime to children who pull everything into their mouths or like to lick their hands. Usually all toddlers and some preschoolers are prone to this.
3. Control all stages of slime creation and then monitor its suitability for play. Store slime made from natural ingredients in the refrigerator, and throw it away if mold, plaque or unpleasant odor appears.
4. If there are abrasions or other injuries on the skin of your hands, you should not take the slime in your hands.
5. The child should not come into contact with clean borax and its concentrated solutions.
6. Cook slime only in a well-ventilated area.
7. Protect your eyes with protective goggles. Wear gloves when working with PVA glue and solutions.
8. Recipes that are published on the Web are not tested by regulatory authorities. You are responsible for the safety of your children, if used.