Bangkok: "Dr. Punch" has issued a warning about the potential dangers lurking within the popular children's toy known as squishies, highlighting the presence of toxins and hidden needles that could lead to serious health issues, including bloodstream infections.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Dr. Worapol Charoenporn, also known as Dr. Punch, a specialist in orthopedic surgery at the Police Hospital, shared his concerns via a video on his Facebook page, "Healthy Living with Dr. Worapol." He pointed out that while squishies are designed to relieve stress through squeezing, their rising popularity among children has led to the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard products in the market.

Dr. Punch explained that investigations into these counterfeit squishies have uncovered the use of substandard paints and the presence of toxic heavy metal residues. Some manufacturing processes involved injecting chemicals or paints into squishies, with the risk of broken needles or fragments remaining inside. These pose serious dangers to children, potentially exposing them to toxins, causing bloodstream infections from hidden needles, or even leading to blindness if played with near the face. Dr. Punch emphasized the importance of parents selecting toys from reputable manufacturers with certified standards and looking for the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TIS) mark to ensure safety and avoid toxic and hidden threats to their children.