Download Fact Sheet: Silly String - Children`s Hospital of

Fact Sheet: Silly String
Products available:
In 1969, a product trademarked Silly
String™ was introduced to the market
by Julius Samann, Ltd. Since then, a
number of similar products have been
marketed, such as Streamer String™,
Wacky String™, and most recently,
Spiderman Web Blaster™.
What are the ingredients?
Most of the products available have
proprietary ingredients, known only to
the manufacturer. All, however, have a
propellant that enables the gooey
material to be projected over a distance.
Of product listings available to the
poison center, all contain a fluorinated
hydrocarbon as the propellant. These
have similar properties as Freon™, but
without the chlorine atom that was
removed
due
to
environmental
concerns.
The goo material is not well known, but
some contain isopropyl alcohol in low
percentages and plasticizers such as
dibutyl phthalate.
How are children exposed?
The toy string products contain a gooey
material combined with a propellant gas
in an aerosol can. When the nozzle is
pressed, a pressurized stream of foamy
material shoots out to distances from 3
to 600 feet, depending on the product.
The foam can land on exposed skin, be
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accidentally swallowed, or be sprayed
into the eyes.
What are the hazards?
There are no published studies, but a
review of the Children’s Hospital of
Michigan Regional Poison Control
Center records showed that 7 of 8
patients that we were called about,
developed symptoms.
While this is a higher rate of symptoms
than for many other exposures, it must
be realized that the poison center is not
called every time a string product
reaches the skin. It is likely that we are
called more often when a problem has
occurred.
For eye exposures, 3 of 4 children
developed temporary irritation or
redness, along with swelling of the
eyelids, sometimes very severe. For
skin exposures, two patients developed
chemical burns. There was one case of
swallowing, with prolonged vomiting
lasting 8 hours or more.
A variety of product brand names were
represented and no product seemed to
be more harmful than another.
What causes the symptoms?
The fluorinated hydrocarbon under pressure can have
cold that it may cause frostbite injury.
The hydrocarbon removes fat from skin
and can result in a chemical burn if left
smolinske/Silly_string.doc
on for a time.
The alcohols and
plasticizers are irritating substances, but
do not usually cause permanent
damage. Some of the reactions may
have been allergic reactions.
Most of the eye exposures resulted in
skin irritation around the eye, but no
damage to the cornea, most likely from
protective reflex blinking of the patient.
If the product is directly instilled into the
eye, more serious damage might occur.
What should I do if my child is
exposed?
If the product gets on the skin, the child
should be bathed with soap and water
immediately.
If any persistent
redness,
swelling,
or
irritation
develops, the child should be
examined by a physician. Blistering
requires more immediate attention.
If the product is sprayed into the eyes,
the child should receive immediate eye
irrigation with room temperature water
for at least 20 minutes.
Call the poison center at 1-800-2221222 for instructions on irrigation
techniques.
If the eye becomes
swollen, the child should be taken to an
emergency department.
If swallowed, provide a small amount of
milk or water to reduce gastric irritation.
Seek medical attention if vomiting is
persistent.
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