You may have seen people on YouTube eating Play-Doh, but eating Play-Doh can result in serious health problems. Eating it can cause choking, blockages in the nasal cavity, or stomach, and poisoning. Ingesting small amounts of non-toxic Play-Doh won’t make you sick, but it is a risk not worth taking. This guide will explain why it is dangerous to eat Play-Doh and how to respond if someone eats some.
Play-Doh is a popular modeling compound that has been around for more than 60 years and found in nearly every home with children. It can be fun to play with but the problem arises when curious kids decide to take a bite out of the colorful compound. Parents may think Play-Doh is safe because it is labeled “non-toxic,” however this does not mean that it is safe for consumption by humans. In fact, doing so can lead to severe health issues and should always be avoided at all costs.
What is Play Doh?
Play-Doh is a modeling compound used by young children for arts and crafts projects. It is usually sold in individual 3 oz. containers and made from flour, water, salt, boric acid and mineral oil. After first being manufactured in Cincinnati in 1956, this non-toxic product has become a popular choice for parents when it comes to entertaining and stimulating their children’s imaginations.
In its most basic form, each container of Play-Doh contains three primary ingredients: flour, water, and salt. The dough is designed to be squished and stretched without rips or tears; though too much pressure or excessive handling can cause the dough to become brittle or dried out. Non-toxic preservatives are also added to the mix to increase its shelf life and prevent fungus growth while sitting on store shelves or during extended use at home.
Although Play-Doh was originally intended by its manufacturers as an arts and crafts material best suited for use by preschoolers ages 3–9, it has become popular with a much wider audience spanning all ages — even adults! As such, there are many people who will try taking small tastes or nibbles of this salty material out of curiosity; however, it’s important to note that even though Play-Doh is non-toxic if consumed in small amounts it should not be eaten as part of a regular diet due to possible choking hazards from its squishy consistency.
Health Risks
Eating Play Doh can pose serious health risks due to the ingredients it is made of. Ingesting Play Doh can lead to a wide range of physical and mental health issues, including vomiting, seizures, nausea, and fever. It can also cause irritation to the throat, lungs, and nostrils. So, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with eating Play Doh.
Potential Choking Hazards
Eating Play-Doh can pose choking hazards due to its soft and malleable texture. When ingested, the Play-Doh can clump together in the throat, blocking the airway and preventing air from entering the lungs. In situations where someone has ingested Play-Doh, it is important to call 911 as soon as possible so that medical help can be provided. Other potential dangers of eating Play-Doh include indigestion or abdominal discomfort caused by consumption of the products’ ingredients or from irritation of stomach linings. Additionally, some components of Play-Doh, such as sodium borate and possibly artificial flavoring ingredients, can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea for several days after consumption. If a large amount of Play-Doh is swallowed, it may cause a blockage in the digestive system that could require an endoscopy procedure to remove.
Allergic Reactions
Eating Play-Doh can lead to allergic reactions, depending on what ingredients the product contains. Many Play-Doh products contain wheat gluten, which can result in an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Additionally, some Play-Doh products contain preservatives and fragrances that can cause skin irritation or trigger an asthma attack. It is important to be aware of what type of ingredients are in your child’s play materials so that you can properly manage any adverse reactions that may occur.
If your child ingests Play-Doh and begins to show signs of an allergic reaction such as itching, hives, swelling, redness or difficulty breathing – contact a healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, it is important to remain vigilant in checking labels and ensuring that your child does not have access to ingredients they may be sensitive to. Finally, keep the product away from young children since they may be more likely to ingest it than older children or adults.
Intestinal Blockage
Ingestion of large amounts of Play-Doh can result in an intestinal blockage, which is a very serious and potentially life-threatening complication. This blockage occurs when the material cannot pass through the intestines and builds up, leading to an obstruction. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include nausea, abdominal pain or swelling, vomiting, fever and constipation. When the intestines become blocked it can prevent necessary nutrients from entering the body and waste products from being released from the body.
If you suspect your child has eaten Play-Doh or is experiencing signs of an intestinal blockage after coming into contact with Play-Doh, seek medical care immediately. Treatment for an intestinal blockage may include medication to reduce irritation in the intestine as well as surgery to remove any pieces that are blocking the intestine.
Treatment
If you or someone you know has eaten Play Doh, it is important to seek medical attention straight away. Play Doh can get stuck on the lips, mouth, tongue, throat, and even in the intestines. It can also contain harmful chemicals, so it is important to get medical help to ensure it is removed safely and quickly. In this section, we will take a look at the treatment for when someone has eaten Play Doh.
Emergency Room Visit
If a child swallows Play Doh, it is wise to visit the emergency room or call the pediatrician. This is especially important if the child is experiencing difficulty breathing, vomiting or any sign of allergic reaction such as an itchy rash or swelling of the mouth.
A doctor may listen to the lungs and examine closely for signs of choking such as hoarseness and blueness around the lips. The physician may suggest an X-ray to rule out complications in the throat. If a clump of Play Doh has been inhaled, a bronchoscopy under anesthesia might be required.
Play Doh is pressurized with gasses that expand with humid air so doctors caution against letting water enter into any mixture containing Play Doh; doing so might present serious risks. In addition, products containing wheat should never be eaten by those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Finally, clinicians suggest that symptoms be monitored for up to 24 hours after ingestion as delayed responses at times occur.
Medication
If you have consumed some Play Doh, immediate medical attention should be sought. Depending on the amount eaten and your particular symptoms, doctors may recommend a variety of treatments.
For mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, treatment may involve hydration with fluids or electrolyte solutions and medications to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Antibiotics are generally not recommended unless infection or poisoning is suspected.
More serious cases can require hospitalization and supportive care with IV medication for dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, respiratory support with supplemental oxygen or treatments to reduce airway irritation from vomiting, and antibiotics for infections. In certain instances a tube may be placed down your throat to suction out remaining Play Doh from your stomach and intestines. This will ensure all remaining bits are removed from your body after consumption.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove a large amount of ingested Play-Doh. This can be an effective way to eliminate large pieces of the toy that have built up in the digestive system and could otherwise cause a blockage. Surgery is typically used only if other treatments, such as endoscopy or medications, are not working or are too risky for the individual. Depending on how much Play-Doh was consumed and where it has been stuck in the digestive system, doctors might suggest one of various surgical procedures. Laparotomy may be recommended to open up and remove any pieces lodged in the intestines or abdomen. If further down in the gastrointestinal tract, an endoscopic procedure might be necessary to retrieve lost pieces of Play-Doh safely.
Prevention
It is important to keep Play Doh away from children and out of their reach to prevent them from eating it. Young kids don’t understand that Play Doh is not food and can be tempted to try it. Parents should also make sure to keep Play Doh containers closed tightly when not in use. Even after following these preventive measures, if a child consumes Play Doh, it is important to know what to do next. Let’s take a look.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and flavor of your coffee beans. The key to protecting the beans from spoiling and oxidation is controlling exposure to moisture, heat, light and air. To get started, it’s important to purchase only what you can consume in one month. Jumping in with a large quantity without planning may leave you with stale coffee and result in money wasted.
Be sure to store your beans in an opaque, airtight container at room temperature or below. Direct sunlight and moist areas are unsuitable for bean storage as they can cause mold growth or discoloration over time. Coffee beans do not need refrigeration unless exposed to excessive heat, but if you choose refrigeration be sure to check for condensation buildup before retrieving any beans to avoid any unexpected dampness in your bag of coffee that could ultimately lead spoilage. Additionally, grinding your beans right before you brew will help maintain its delicious flavor as freshly ground coffee is much more aromatic than pre-ground; however if grinding all at once works better for you it’s best not store them this way as the exposure surface area makes them more apt spoil quicker. Using vacuum sealed bags with valve will provide adequate protection against the elements while allowing the carbon dioxide build up in freshly roasted coffee bags to escape properly which keeps them from staling too quickly.. Following these proper storage guidelines can ensure that your coffee tastes just as good every time you enjoy it!
Keep Out of Reach of Children
Play Doh contains wheat flour and should not be eaten by children. Ingestion of the product can cause serious health problems and should be avoided at all costs. Eating even small amounts of Play Doh can result in gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is also possible for children to choke on pieces that are too large.
It’s important to make sure Play Doh is kept in an area that is out of reach of children. Store the containers in a secure cabinet or other location where curious little hands cannot reach them. When using the product with children, make sure to supervise them closely and put it away immediately after use so it does not become a snack for tiny hands. Teaching toddlers and young children about basic safety when playing with toys can help prevent accidental ingestion of Play Doh or other hazardous materials.
In order to reduce the possibility of an accidental ingestion from occurring, parents should always practice safe storage methods when dealing with items such as Play Doh that should not be eaten by people of any age group. Educate yourself further on appropriate guidelines for safely handling Play Doh in a family environment as well as understanding potential risks associated with ingestion and what to do if this occurs inadvertently or otherwise.
