In summer, we often think about protecting children from the sun. But much less their toys! However, with extreme heat, certain objects left outside or in a car can reach very high temperatures. This is what happened to a 13-year-old girl who was seriously burned by a ball exposed to the sun.
Because of the sun, the ball exploded
While this 13-year-old girl was simply holding her stress ball on her lap, it suddenly exploded. She had indeed been left in the sun for far too long.
“We hadn’t even gone a mile and a half when she let out a bloodcurdling scream.” his mother told CBS News.
Fortunately, the emergency services managed to quickly remove the gel from his knees, which had become very thick under the effect of the heat. “The only way to describe the texture is that it was like hot caramel that had cooled“, explained the mother, still in shock.
A dramatic accident which hardly surprises Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical.
“Anti-stress balls can quickly become dangerous when left in direct sunlight. Under the effect of heat, the pressure increases inside and the gel they contain can leak or even burst the ball. If this gel is very hot and adheres to the skin, it can cause a burn. In this case, you must immediately rinse the area with plenty of lukewarm water, gently remove the residue without rubbing, watch for the appearance of redness or blisters and seek medical attention quickly if the burn is significant“, he explains.
Even if this type of accident fortunately remains infrequent, it serves as a reminder that an object left in direct sunlight for several hours should never be handled without precaution.
What other games should you watch out for when it’s really hot?
Stress balls are not the only toys affected: many pieces of equipment can become hot, even hot to the point of causing burns, after several hours spent in direct sunlight.
“During the summer, you should also be wary of polyester objects, play tents, cabins, inflatable structures, trampolines and, more broadly, all equipment likely to heat up quickly or retain heat under their covering. In general, any object made of synthetic material, dark in color or left exposed to the sun for a long time deserves to be checked before use, particularly when it is intended for children”warns the emergency doctor.
A tent, a plastic slide, a trampoline or even a ball can quickly become very hot.
Games and sun: the right reflexes to adopt to protect your children
Although zero risk does not exist, a few simple actions can fortunately prevent most accidents.
“Putting away or putting objects left outside in the shade, checking their temperature with your hand before playing, regularly hydrating children and avoiding physical activities during the hottest hours of the day are all good reflexes to adopt. For games made of fabric, foam or plastic, simple contact with the hand often helps to avoid an unpleasant surprise. Finally, we must not forget the more classic summer accidents, such as falls, which remain frequent around play areas and leisure equipment“, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.
In summer, it is therefore always better to touch a toy before putting it in the hands of a child. It only takes a few seconds, but can avoid a trip to the emergency room.