business
Don’t leave squishy toys in hot cars. Here’s why
By Debra Worley at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
Key takeaway One store representative said they receive between 10 and 12 phone calls a day asking about the toys, a volume that has continued for three to four months.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
As Atlanta residents flock to local toy stores to get their hands on the latest squishy toy trends, they should be aware of the potential dangers these toys pose when left in hot cars. With the city's sweltering summer temperatures, the risk of these toys exploding and causing burns is very real. Local parents and caregivers should take heed of the warnings from other parts of the country, where children and teens have already suffered injuries from exploding squishy toys. Atlanta's own consumer protection agencies and child safety advocates may need to take a closer look at these products and consider issuing their own warnings or guidelines for safe use. As the popularity of squishy toys continues to grow, it's crucial that local retailers and consumers are aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent accidents, especially during the hot summer months when cars can quickly become ovens.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News/WXIX) – Squishy toys are all the rage right now, but there are serious concerns about leaving them in the heat.Squishy toys, which can be made from soft plastics, rubber, silicone, or other materials, have surged in popularity, driven in part by viral TikTok videos.One store representa...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Worley at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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