9-Year-Old Severely Burned After Microwaving Viral Toy

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A 9-year-old Illinois boy named Caleb Chabolla suffered serious second-degree burns on his face, ear, and hands after putting his NeeDoh cube, a squishy sensory toy, in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Caleb's mother, Whitney Grubb, rushed in after hearing her son scream and found the toy's gel-like filling had burst from the cube, causing the injuries. Loyola Medicine's burn center has already seen four NeeDoh-related burn cases this year, linking the injuries to social media trends that only show the impressive results, not the fallout.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of viral social media challenges, especially those involving heating up toys or other household items that are not meant to be microwaved. It also raises concerns about product safety and the need for clearer warning labels, as well as the responsibility of social media platforms to address potentially harmful trends.

The details

Caleb put the NeeDoh cube in the microwave after hearing from a classmate that heating it up was a thing to try. His mother was warming up her car in the garage when she heard the microwave go on and rushed in after hearing Caleb scream. The toy's gel-like filling had burst from the cube, burning Caleb's face and hands and causing one eye to swell shut. Caleb suffered second-degree burns and was taken to a local ER before being transferred to Loyola's burn center, where he stayed overnight. He is now recovering at home.

• On January 20, Caleb put the NeeDoh cube in the microwave for about 40 seconds.
• Caleb was taken to a local ER and then transferred to Loyola's burn center, where he stayed overnight.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Loyola Medicine and other healthcare providers will likely continue to monitor and raise awareness about the dangers of viral social media challenges involving household items not meant to be heated.