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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 12/03/2002 Page 1 of 2 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. 12/03/2002 Page 2 of 2 smolinske/Silly_string.doc