Effect on health of preservative E285 and why is it banned in Russia?

What were you looking for and why?

As part of the “Slimes” special project, we conducted surveys on social networks, received many letters - and understood what consumers care about.
Top 7 questions for concerned parents:

1. Do slimes contain potentially dangerous and toxic substances?

2. Is slime a dangerous chemical?

3. Slime can cause allergies and burns. This is true?

4. Is a strong smell a sign of danger?

5. What does the marking say?

6. Is slime
a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria?
7. Who is responsible for the distribution of potentially unsafe homemade slime?

In order to answer these and other questions, both industrially produced and homemade slimes were purchased, distributed on the Internet and through specialized retail chains. It was important for us to show the results in comparison. The toys tested were produced in Russia, Ukraine and China.

The price range ranged from 55 rubles (Fix Price) to 903 rubles (Poopsie), with an average price of 292 rubles. At the same time, four violations were found for the most expensive product.

To develop the research program, the standards for children's toys TR CU 008/2011 “On the safety of toys” and similar products were taken into account in order to cover the entire range of indicators.

Briefly about the research results

Let's say right away that there are no serious violations. There is no excess content of hazardous substances, no violations of irritating effects on the skin and eyes.

The main comments were related to labeling, pungent odor, and microbiology. Four brands of slime are not recommended for purchase due to their strong odor: Slime Vime, Attivio, Ninja and Slime by Lenetta. Poopsie slime is not recommended due to its flammability. Three slimes were found to have packaging inconsistencies. In five cases out of 14, labeling violations were detected.

One of the serious conclusions made by Roskachestvo experts is that the market for these toys is outside of legislative regulation. There are no Russian standards for this type of product. Not all slimes that are on sale are certified for compliance with the requirements of TR CU 008/2011. However, there are manufacturers who certify their products as “toys for children”, and then such slimes are subject to appropriate regulation and compliance with TR CU 008/2011. Nine of the slimes we tested were declared with full markings and with an EAC mark, which indicates compliance with TR CU 008/2011. But only the following brands stood out among them: Mr. Boo, Monster's Slime, Mega Mix. And part of the market is slime, which children-slimers mix at home and sell them - either at school, or online, or through specialized retail outlets. Such goods can be sold, for example, as souvenirs.

What is slime and what is it made of?

Today, slime is not just a mysterious “slime” or a sticky mass of polymer components. This is a whole mini-industry of goods for children and teenagers. In this system, manufacturers of ready-made slimes, as well as raw materials and components for sliming, the slimer-influencers themselves, and specialized retail chains coexist. Hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers buy or create new designs themselves, and parents become hostage to their passion. And they are quite rightly concerned about how safe this “toy” is.

Main components of slime

• Polymer base

PVA glue

- the basis of a home toy. Its main component is polyvinyl acetate, a low-toxic compound. Manufacturers use polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate as a polymer base. There are several types of glue that slimers use:

PVA stationery

(“Red Ray”, Elmer’s, Dr. Fan, Erich Krause, “Moment” PVA). These adhesives consist of polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate and a plasticizer. The last two components have a 3rd degree of danger (1st degree is a very dangerous substance), but their proportion in the glue is very small to pose a danger. Therefore, PVA glue is classified as a low-hazard substance (in accordance with GOST 12.1.007-76 “System of occupational safety standards. Harmful substances”). And although manufacturers indicate “Non-toxic” and “Safe for children” in the labeling, the safety data sheet for these products indicates that when working with such glue it is necessary to wear gloves and safety glasses, and the room must be ventilated. Do not allow glue to get into your eyes. Ingestion may cause poisoning.

PVA-M

(“Moment Stolyar” PVA, Goodmark PVA-M, Stick Up, “Contact”). Consists of polyvinyl acetate dispersion, aqueous dispersion, plasticizers and water. Refers to low-hazard substances. In case of contact with eyes and skin, it causes mild irritation. Avoid ingestion. When working with this glue, it is advisable to use gloves and goggles.

• Activators

Boric acid.

In 1987, it was banned in the USSR as an antiseptic. Now sold in pharmacies. Found in some recipes on the Internet as an activator. And although the body has resistance to boric acid, if ingested, a small amount of it may have time to break down, which will lead to poisoning. Children cope worst with the effects of acid. In acute poisoning of people, it affects the brain, mucous membranes and skin. Not recommended for use in children.

Sodium tetraborate (borax or borax powder)

– causes acute irritation to the skin and eyes; with prolonged or repeated exposure to mucous membranes, it can cause damage to organs. Wear safety glasses and gloves when using. It must be used in ventilated areas. You can get poisoned even by inhaling dust when working with powder.

A solution containing 20 g of sodium tetraborate in 80 g of glycerin

– Irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Use only with gloves and in a ventilated room: the solution evaporates at 20 degrees, and in a short time such a concentration of the substance in the air can be created in the room that will lead to poisoning. If the solution gets inside, it is life-threatening.

Liquid for lenses

– also contains sodium tetraborate, but in a much smaller amount (however, if there is very little of it, the liquid will not be able to activate the slime).
Usually added along with baking soda. Attention
It must be remembered that all of these are drugs that can be safe in small doses, but pose a threat when used non-medically. The greatest risk of ingesting sodium tetraborate is through inhalation. Use these substances only in the presence of adults, in a well-ventilated area and when using gloves, glasses and a mask.

In addition, slimes may contain:

Water

– purified or distilled. Not used in all slimes.

Food coloring, flavorings, fillers

– are needed to give the mixture a certain color or design. In addition to these components, shaving foam, spices, guar gum and other substances can be used to make the toy unique.

What are slimes and what are they made from?

The name of the toy comes from the English “slime” due to its specific texture. Slimes, or “lizuny” as they are also called, really resemble slime that can be crushed and stretched. They come in different colors and can vary in texture. For example, there are “cloud” slimes, “butter” slimes, “crispy” slimes, etc. Today, many make slimes themselves at home, and the variety of toys is limited only by the imagination of the creator.

Photo: Shutterstock.com/ smile23

Any slime contains two main components: a polymer base and an activator. As a rule, PVA glue is used as a base at home, and polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate is used in industrial production. The activators are boric acid, sodium tetraborate (borax, borax powder), a solution containing sodium tetraborate in glycerin, etc.

Why slime attracts children: the opinion of psychologists

Svetlana Klyuvaeva

child psychologist, head of the child psychology club “Heart”

– Slimes can relieve stress and work as analogues of anti-stress toys. They, of course, also develop fine motor skills in a child, but children develop them in general from many things - everything that falls into their hands - so there is no need to talk about any special benefits of slimes specifically. They attract the child with their shape, pleasant sensations for the hands, and unusual tactile qualities.

Part of their popularity is due to trendiness. Nowadays the trend is to show what you have done yourself. Therefore, the process of making a product causes cravings in children. Designer slime is both an original toy and an easy way to make money. Let's remember how in American films children sold homemade lemonade on the lawn of their house. Only the form changes: today it’s slime, tomorrow it’s something else.

Children simply follow adults. Since adults went to YouTube to show their lives, creating a trend, children followed them. You did something and instantly received feedback, feedback in the form of likes and comments. This is a phenomenon that we need to put up with, it is already part of our life, it will not go away anywhere.

Read how a psychological examination of slimes is carried out HERE.

Can slimes develop psychological dependence? Read HERE.

How to make slime: 17 recipes with and without chemicals

Slime can be made in different ways using chemicals and improvised materials. Each parent will choose the appropriate homemade slime recipe for themselves.

From dry alcohol

Description. It turns out to be a real slime, hardly distinguishable from a store-bought one. The mass does not stick to your hands and retains its shape. The composition is completely chemical based.

What to prepare:

• polyvinyl dry alcohol - 30 ml;
• dry borax - one tablespoon;
• water - 400 ml (300 ml for alcohol and 100 ml for borax);
• dyes - by eye;
• essential oil for a pleasant smell - three to five drops.

How to do

1. Following the step-by-step instructions on the package, dilute the dry alcohol with water.
2. Without ceasing to stir, heat the solution in a water bath until a viscous state forms.
3. Remove and cool.
4. Dilute borax in half a glass of water.
5. Mix solutions of alcohol and borax in a 3:1 ratio.
6. Add coloring and flavoring.

PVA + starch

Description. The result is a viscous mass that can be stored for a week in a closed container. Due to the PVA content in the recipe, it is better not to give slime to children under five years of age.

What to prepare:

• starch - 25 g;
• water - 50 ml;
• PVA glue - 25 ml;
• food coloring;
• tight resealable bag.

How to do

1. Dilute the starch with water and let the powder dissolve.
2. Pour the starch solution into a bag.
3. Add a little food coloring and stir.
4. Pour glue into the mixture and shake.
5. Knead the mixture through the bag until a clot forms.
6. Open the bag and drain off excess liquid.
7. Take out the slime and blot it with a napkin.

To make the slime jump, you need to add hydrogen peroxide to the recipe. Just a few drops are enough. Keep in mind that the more starch solution, the harder the mass becomes. Too much glue will make the toy stick to your fingers and surfaces.

Video on the topic

From shaving foam

Description. This recipe produces a soft slime that resembles marshmallows. The mass is kneaded “by eye” until smooth.

What to prepare:

• shaving foam - one bottle;
• PVA glue - 200 ml;
• dye (optional).

How to do

1. Pour glue into a suitable container.
2. Drop a little dye and distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
3. Squeeze out some foam and stir.
4. Add foam until you get a soft mass that resembles an elastic marshmallow.

PVA should be of good quality, creamy, without lumps or impurities. Check the expiration date before use. Expired glue will affect the consistency of the slime.

Borax based

Description. A simplified version made from borax. Dye is added as desired.

What to prepare:

• borax - one tablespoon;
• water - 100 ml;
• PVA glue - 100 g;
• dye - three to four drops;
• capacity;
• plastic bag.

How to do

1. Make a borax solution in a glass.
2. Pour glue into the mixing container.
3. Add a few drops of dye.
4. Gradually pour the prepared solution into the glue.
5. Stir until a viscous mass forms.
6. Remove the clot, blot it with a napkin, and place it in a bag.
7. Stir for about five minutes and drain off any excess moisture.

With air freshener

Description. Not the most useful composition. But the slime turns out soft, airy, and does not stick to your hands.

What to prepare:

• PVA glue - one tube;
• any paint (for example, acrylic in a tube);
• air freshener.

How to do

1. Pour the required amount of glue into the container.
2. Tint and stir to distribute the color.
3. Spray with aerosol several times so that the glue begins to curl while stirring.
4. Mix with a spoon or your hands until the mixture stops sticking.

If the slime doesn't work, the problem is most likely with the air freshener. A suitable aerosol should not foam when sprayed.

Made from silicate glue

Description. The result will be a fairly dense slime that will not stretch in length. The recipe is suitable for creating a “bouncer” that bounces well off surfaces.

What to prepare:

• alcohol - 100 ml;
• silicate glue - 100 ml;
• dye or glitter - optional;
• capacity.

How to do

1. Mix glue and dye.
2. To make the ball look more impressive, mix transparent glue with glitter.
3. Without ceasing to stir, add a little alcohol.
4. Add alcohol to desired thickness.
5. Leave the mixture for 20 minutes.
6. Remember the mass with your hands and gather it into a ball.
7. Roll a ball, try hitting it on the floor: if everything is done correctly, it will bounce off.

Alternative “silicate” options are with washing liquid or sodium tetraborate. The proportions of liquid and glue are 1:1. Mix until thick. If dry tetraborate is used, then you first need to make a solution (a tablespoon per glass of liquid). Glue (125 ml) is mixed with a glass of water and then with a borax solution. The result is a jelly-like transparent mass.

Shampoo + “Titan”

Description. You will need any construction adhesive with sufficient viscosity. The ideal option is Titan.

What to prepare:

• any hair shampoo - 50 ml;
• "Titan" - 150 ml;
• tight package.

How to do

1. Pour shampoo into the bag.
2. Add glue, close the bag, stir.
3. Remove the formed clot and drain off the excess water.
4. To get a large slime, increase the dosage; there should always be more glue.

The glue can be replaced with a starch solution - the slime will not be so toxic. There should be two times less shampoo than solution. After mixing, the mass is put into the refrigerator for 12 hours.

Video on the topic

From table salt

Description. A short-lived slime that you can play with once. The consistency is more like jelly than stretchy chewing gum.

What to prepare:

• thick shampoo - three tablespoons;
• salt - by eye;
• dye;
• mixing container.

How to do

1. Pour shampoo into a bowl.
2. Add a little salt and stir the liquid.
3. Determine readiness by thickness: the slime is viscous and does not stick to the walls.
4. If desired, tint the mixture with dyes.

An alternative to the “salty” mass is a slime made from shampoo and sugar. Not all experimenters get it right the first time. You need to mix thick shampoo with a small amount of sugar. The mixture is placed in the refrigerator for two days or in the freezer for several hours. After time, you should get a plastic mass.

From sodium tetraborate

Description. A rather labor-intensive way to create slime that requires heating.

What to prepare:

• glue stick - four pieces;
• sodium tetraborate - one teaspoon;
• dye (gouache or brilliant green) - five to ten drops;
• water - by eye;
• glass bowl.

How to do

1. Remove the glue sticks from the pencils and place them in a bowl.
2. Microwave for a few minutes to form a viscous mass.
3. Add dye.
4. Stir with a spoon.
5. Dilute sodium tetraborate with water to a viscous mass, add to the glue.
6. Stir the mixture to the desired consistency.

Instead of a pencil, you can use regular transparent stationery glue. The borax solution is poured into 30 g of glue until a homogeneous mixture is formed. The mass turns out viscous and transparent even after adding dye.

Video on the topic

With nail polish

Description. The result is a stretchy slime that does not stick to surfaces. The more varnish, the richer the color. It is recommended to use water-based varnishes without a strong unpleasant odor.

What to prepare:

• nail polish - a few drops;
• PVA glue - one bottle;
• sodium tetraborate - one tablespoon;
• water;
• mixing bowl.

How to do

1. Pour the glue into a bowl.
2. Add some varnish.
3. Stir until the mixture is uniform in color.
4. Dilute the colored glue with water in a 1:1 ratio.
5. Dissolve borax in 200 ml of liquid.
6. While stirring, pour the solution into the mixture in a thin stream.
7. Stir until a sticky consistency forms.

From dishwashing detergent

Description. There is no specific dosage of ingredients, so you should add components gradually, controlling the density. The viscous mass can always be diluted with water.

What to prepare:

• dishwashing detergent - a third of a glass;
• baking soda - by eye;
• dye - a few drops;
• Bowl.

How to do

1. Pour dishwashing liquid into the container.
2. Sprinkle in some baking soda powder.
3. Stir and add ingredients if necessary.
4. Add some dye.
5. Knead the mixture to the required consistency.

Video on the topic

From soda solution

Description. One way to make slime without sodium tetraborate. “Soda” slime is short-lived, you can play with it for a couple of days. Due to the presence of PVA, it is better not to give the toy to small children.

What to prepare:

• baking soda - one heaped tablespoon;
• glue - 50 g;
• warm water - half a glass;
• liquid dye - two to three drops;
• containers - two pieces.

How to do

1. Dilute the glue with half of the prepared liquid.
2. Add dye.
3. Make a soda solution from the remaining liquid.
4. Mixing thoroughly after each portion, gradually pour the soda solution into the diluted glue.
5. Knead into a homogeneous mass.

Video on the topic

From laundry liquid

Description. You will need a gel-like product, not a powder. The grains will only give a soap solution.

What to prepare:

• laundry liquid - two tablespoons;
• PVA glue - a quarter cup;
• dye - five to six drops;
• gloves;
• capacity.

How to do

1. Pour glue into a container and add dye.
2. Mix, add cleaning liquid.
3. Stir with a spoon.
4. Put on gloves and knead the mixture with your hands.
5. The slime will be ready when it reaches the consistency of elastic dough.

Video on the topic

With soap and toothpaste

Description. Toothpaste slime is plastic and smells fresh. It is not necessary to add dye if the soap liquid has its own color.

What to prepare:

• liquid soap - 20 ml;
• toothpaste - 20 ml;
• flour - five tablespoons; bowl.

How to do

1. Squeeze the paste into a container and mix with soapy liquid.
2. Mix into a homogeneous mixture.
3. Gradually add flour, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
4. Knead with your hands, periodically wetting them so that the mixture does not stick.

Instead of flour, you can use Titan or any other polymer glue as a binder. There should be about twice as much toothpaste. For example, if 100 g of paste is used, then the glue should be 40-50 g.

Plasticine + gelatin

Description. You can make slime without glue yourself using modeling mass. You won’t get a perfectly stretchy slime; the mixture will look like a plastic handgam.

What to prepare:

• gelatin - 50 g;
• plasticine - 100 g;
• water;
• tin container for mixing - two pieces.

How to do

1. Dilute gelatin granules with water in a ratio of 1:2, leave for one hour.
2. Heat the solution over low heat (do not bring to a boil), cool.
3. Heat 50 ml of water. Add well-mashed plasticine pieces.
4. Stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a uniform liquid state.
5. Combine both solutions and mix.
6. Place the homogeneous mass in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

A plasticine handgam cannot be played like a ball. The mixture leaves greasy stains on wallpaper and other surfaces.

Video on the topic

Made from flour (for kids)

Description. Even kids can quickly make slime without PVA and sodium. It is recommended that mothers take note of the recipe, since the slime is made from completely edible materials.

What to prepare:

• hot and cold water - 50 ml each;
• flour - 400 g;
• natural dye.

How to do

1. Sift the flour, add first cold and then hot (but not boiling) water.
2. Add coloring if desired and knead the dough.
3. Stir until smooth.
4. Place in the refrigerator for four hours.

With iron filings

Description. Magnetic handgam is fun to play with. Like the pseudopods of an amoeba, parts of the mass are drawn to the magnet.

What to prepare:

• iron filings - teaspoon;
• PVA glue - 30 g;
• boric acid - half a glass;
• magnet.

How to do

1. Mix the glue and acid (the more liquid, the thicker the mixture).
2. Add shavings.
3. Knead until a viscous consistency.
4. Take a magnet and test the action of the slime.

To make the toy glow in the dark, it is recommended to add phosphor or fluorescent dye. You can also add small glitter, multi-colored foam balls, and confetti into the slime while kneading.

Is slime a dangerous chemical?

Products from 14 brands were tested to contain excess levels of 29 potentially hazardous chemicals, including alcohols, toluene, formaldehyde, mercury and arsenic. Let us say right away that no violations were found.

The greatest concern among consumers was the boron content in slimes. Foreign studies

showed that the boron content in the products of some manufacturers was four times higher. Boron can cause rashes on the skin of your hands. However, boron in its pure form is not included in slimes. Boron is found in the form of various compounds, depending on the composition of the slime. One such compound is sodium tetraborate, a salt of boric acid. Tetraborate or another boron component is added to the polymer medium. Then a reaction occurs with the polymer - due to this, slime is formed. When mixing occurs, the tetraborate binds to the polymer and goes into an inactive form, becoming a neutral organic boron. Unreacted tetraborate may react on the skin. Therefore, Roskachestvo experts determined the content of sodium tetraborate in the toy, focusing on the content of this substance in water (according to GOST 31949-2012). According to the test results, no content exceeding 3% of the mass fraction was found in any product.

– Slime is based on a polymer, and often manufacturers do not even indicate on the label what this base consists of. But we do not find elemental boron, as we find it in the periodic table, outside of any compounds in slime at any stage. Boron in slime is already in a bound state - we do not detect it in the form of a gas unsafe for health. Even when borax is heated, boron will not be released. It would be incorrect to determine the presence of elemental boron in slime,” comments Dmitry Kruzhkov, laboratory assistant at the conformity assessment department of the Federal Budgetary Institution “URALTEST”.

Area of ​​application of borax

Sodium tetraborate has found truly wide application, both in everyday life and in industry.

In industry

Industrial enterprises find the following uses for this substance:

• as a raw material for the production of boric acid;
• as an antiseptic in the production of bulk insulation materials such as “Ecowool”.
• as a means for determining the concentration of acid solutions;
• in welding production as a component of flux;
• in the mechanical engineering industry as a component of antifreeze and various lubricants;
• in glass production;
• the fabric is treated with sodium tetraborate for better dyeing;
• Borax is a component of almost all cosmetic products.

Borax is used in industrial automated welding of the most critical components and parts Source Wikimetall.ru

Does slime cause allergies and irritation?

Experts have conducted a range of tests to determine whether slime is truly toxic. All toys studied are in accordance with TR CU 008/2011 and the Unified Sanitary-Epidemiological and Hygienic Requirements for Goods Subject to Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance (Control). This means that they do not have allergenic properties and do not irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and skin.

In addition, the tests revealed the potential for acute poisoning. No products were considered dangerous. The substances from which slimes are made do not accumulate in the body: if a child plays with slime for a long time on an ongoing basis, the components of this slime do not have the necessary cumulative effect to cause poisoning.

Is slime a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria?

Not a single slime out of 14 brands contained staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or enterobacteria. But immediately in two brands of slime, excesses in the number of microorganisms were recorded. The manufacturers of these products have not indicated at what age their toy can be given to children. And although it is unlikely that parents will allow a child under one year old to play with slime, experts took into account the lack of warning labels about age. They proceeded from the premise that slime could fall into the hands of a one-year-old baby, so the standards were taken for children under one year of age.

According to TR CU 008/2011, the total number of KMAFAnM microorganisms (mesophiles, aerobes and facultative anaerobes) should not exceed 102 CFU/g. This standard was exceeded six times in the Dobr Bobr slime, and 2.2 times in the Thelarek.ru slime. A significant content of viable bacterial cells indicates either insufficient heat treatment of raw materials by the manufacturer, or violations of sanitary standards, or unsatisfactory storage conditions.

But what kind of sanitary standards can we talk about if a significant share of the slime market consists of designer toys? The detected excesses in the number of microorganisms are food for thought for parents. If a child purchases slime of unknown origin or makes it himself, there is no guarantee that such a toy is safe from a microbiological point of view.

Yeast and mold were found in products from the same brands. In Dobr Bobr, 1.6 × 103 CFU were found in one gram, and in Thelarek.ru - 1.5 × 105 CFU.

Even a small amount of mold and microorganisms can cause allergies or skin irritation, and the toy itself will simply deteriorate quickly. Slime can be infected with fungal spores during production, and it itself is a good moist environment for the further development of the fungus.

Attention! If you find fungus on your slime, immediately throw it away along with the packaging.

There is no need to try to cut off the infected part. It is advisable to dispose of all dishes where the toy was stored to prevent the spread of mold.

How can I replace sodium tetraborate?

The “original” recipe uses sodium tetraborate in combination with PVA glue. Without the first ingredient, the toy will not turn out the same as in stores: moderately sticky, funny rolling down the walls and translucent. However, it is too dangerous for children under three years of age. Fortunately, in the slime recipe you can replace the harmful substance with other ingredients.

Potato starch

To avoid putting your baby’s health at risk, replace tetraborate with potato starch:

1. Mix warm water and starch in a 1:1 ratio. For a slime the size of a fist, 100 ml of both ingredients will be enough.

   Potato starch is a cheap and safe replacement for sodium tetraborate

2. Add another 100 ml of glue.
3. Mix the ingredients until smooth. At this point, the mixture should have a consistency similar to pie dough - not runny, but not too stiff.
4. You can immediately check the “performance qualities” of the future slime. Rub some of the mixture between your fingers. If it is not sticky at all, add more PVA glue. On the contrary, if the toy sticks to your hands too much, dilute the mixture with water.
5. Place the mixture in any plastic bag and start kneading it with your hands.
6. Place the mixture in the bag in the refrigerator for two hours.
7. Lizun is ready! You can take it out of the bag and play.

Even without dyes, this slime has a beautiful, milky, uniform color. However, you can experiment. Add different food colors, mix them, make a multi-colored, rainbow slime. Try mixing the colors at the stage of diluting the starch with water - in this case, the color transition will be beautiful and gradient.

After removing the slime, there may be some water left in the bag. It’s not scary - the mixture just didn’t absorb the “extra” water.

Potato starch is completely harmless if swallowed in such quantities. The main danger here is the PVA glue itself.

Video: slime made from starch and PVA glue

You can also make slime without using PVA glue, replacing it with regular shampoo. The technique is the same as in the previous method.

Video: starch slime without PVA

Soda

Regular baking soda can be a good replacement for sodium tetraborate:

1. Mix 100 ml of PVA glue with a quarter glass of water. Add coloring at this stage if desired. Without dye, the slime will be pale beige or yellowish.
2. In another container, mix half a glass of baking soda with a quarter glass of water. It should be a liquid paste. If necessary, add more soda to achieve a “sour cream” consistency.
3. Combine diluted glue and baking soda. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually the mixture will become denser and stronger. If this does not happen, add a little glue and soda and stir again.

What does the pungent smell of slime mean?

If during manufacturing the proportions were violated or unnecessary, low-quality components were added, such slime will have a pungent odor. The intense smell in slimes is caused by the high content of flavorings.

According to TR CU 008, toys for children over three years old (it was assumed that no parents would give slime as a toy to a child under this age) should not have an odor intensity of more than 2 points (where 0 is no odor, and 5 is a suffocating pungent odor) . Slime from 4 brands had a pungent odor of 3 points: Slime Vime, Attivio, Ninja and Slime by Lenetta.

When choosing slimes with a strong smell, it is best to avoid them. They may be potentially unsafe.

What glue can be used for slime?

Non-specialized adhesives

Elmers PVA

Elmers polyvinyl acetate adhesives have good adhesive properties. The slimes turn out to be quite voluminous, viscous, and click well.

However, according to experts from the portal lizun.online, this brand of glue has the following disadvantages:

• there is a high probability of buying a fake (imported glue);
• long mixing with a large amount of activator;
• high price.

PVA "Moment Joiner"

The glue is very thick and quickly reacts with the thickener. The slime will be soft and dense, easily stretched to a transparent film.

Disadvantages (according to specialists from the portal lizun.online):

• if water gets in, the slime will be sticky and unpleasant to the touch;
• the glue has a pungent odor;
• To prepare slime, a large volume of undiluted activator is required.

Extra "Lakra"

The adhesive is intended for gluing paper, cardboard, and wood in domestic conditions; it does not have a strong odor. When mixed with tetraborate, the composition quickly thickens, preventing the mass from being properly kneaded. If you dilute the activator with water, the slime turns out sticky.

According to experts from the vslime.ru portal, glue has the following disadvantages:

• the formation of a dense, hard lump that is difficult to wrinkle and does not stretch;
• no clicking sounds when creasing;
• Difficulty adding sparkles and glitters.

Universal construction adhesive PVA Aquarius

Experts from the website vslime.ru share that even with a large amount of thickener, the composition does not form an elastic mass. The slime breaks, rolls into lumps, and sticks to your hands. You can't make good slime.

PVA universal "Bolars"

According to the experience of users of the site yanashla.com, when mixed with an activator, this glue rolls off. A curdled mass forms in the container, which cannot be crushed in your hands. The slime turns out to be greasy, the particles do not stick together.

Thus, we can conclude that the use of non-specialized adhesives does not allow obtaining slimes with the best properties. In addition, please note that these adhesives are intended for other purposes and may not meet safety requirements for children's products.

Specialized adhesives

Umacoll 55L

Glue designed specifically for making slime. Has no pungent odor and is safe. When mixed with a thickener, it forms a plastic jelly-like mass. After preparing the slime, the work area can be easily washed with warm water.

Advantages of glue:

• Slime stretches well into films, which, when crushed, form bubbles (“clicking slime”). These slimes are quite soft and spreadable.
• The air bubbles formed during the production of slime gradually leave the volume, and it becomes homogeneous and transparent.
• The slime can be left transparent or colored in any desired color, and you can also add glitter, foam balls, small toys, etc. to it.

Umacoll 58L

The glue is water-based, environmentally friendly, and non-flammable. The composition is mixed with activators and helps create slimes of original colors with any fillers.

Advantages of glue:

• The glue-based slime will be white, matte, opaque, quite dense, although plastic.
• The structure of the slime allows you to twist it into “braids” and retains its given shape for some time.
• Slime can be colored and flavored.

Umacoll 55L high viscosity

When mixed with a borax solution, it forms a jelly-like mass with good viscosity and plasticity.

Advantages of Umacoll slime glue:

• The adhesive is water-based, does not contain harmful and dangerous additives, and is allowed for contact with skin (unlike many non-specialized industrial adhesives). Take care of your children's health!
• When a thickener is added (for example, a solution of borax in glycerin, sold in pharmacies), a plastic jelly-like mass is formed.
• The glue comes without dyes and fragrances and provides wide freedom for creativity - you can add harmless dyes, glitter, flavors and other additives to the glue, allowing you to get a wide variety of slimes on a basic basis.

Water is not slime's friend

Roskachestvo experts conducted two tests on how slimes behave in a humid environment. Dye migration was detected in slimes: Mr. Boo, Fix Price, Attivio, Slime by Lenetta. High-quality slime should not stain your hands.

Slime can dissolve partially or completely in water. If during play the slime gets into the water and remains there, then you risk being left without a toy: some slimes completely dissolve - especially in hot water. And, for example, slimes “Good Beaver”, Slime Vime, Slimedesign, Mr. Boo, Thelarek.ru will dissolve even in cold weather.

Advice

: It is important that the child plays with the slime with clean, dry hands. Low-quality slimes can stain hands and surfaces, and a number of artificial dyes can cause skin irritation.

In addition, the packaging of the toys was tested for strength and tightness. Poopsie's slime had the flimsiest packaging. It is not airtight and will not withstand falling or strong compression. Be careful: check your copy carefully.

We asked a dermatologist what rules should be followed when playing with slimes.

Larisa Alekseeva

therapist, dermatologist

– Slime as toys has more benefits than harm. But they should be given to children only at an age when they fully understand that such toys should not be put in their mouths or in their eyes. The optimal age in this case is from 5 years.

The main danger to hands in slime can be unnatural dyes. PVA glue is, in principle, harmless, like borax, but under no circumstances should it come into contact with the mucous membranes; it is necessary to prevent the slime from getting into the mouth. Dyes, especially unnatural ones, can cause allergic reactions, bronchitis and skin rashes. If a child plays with slime with clean, dry hands and on a special napkin or other clean surface, then the toy can be used for a long time without harm.

• If a child rolls slime on the floor or carpet, it is better to immediately throw away such a toy, without even trying to wash it.
• If a child has wounds or cuts on his hands, it is advisable not to play with slime. Getting borax into wounds can corrode them, lead to rashes, or cause a minor infection.
• Attention! Such toys are contraindicated for children with allergies, asthma and skin diseases.

Overall, this is a good anti-stress toy for a child.

Tatiana Butskaya

Chairman of the Council of Mothers, pediatrician, expert of the ONF

– This is a toy, and you don’t have to put it in your mouth. Here is one of the most important recommendations for parents. Slimes smell delicious, they are an attractive color, and you want to taste them. And it’s better to further scare the child by telling him that if the slime gets in his hair, he’ll have to cut his hair, and if it gets into the wallpaper, then dad will get angry. The child needs to be shown and explained what can and cannot be done with this toy. Using such examples, the child will understand why slime should not be put in the mouth or placed on the head.

Why is sodium tetraborate dangerous?

Sodium tetraborate cannot be called a highly toxic substance. It does not emit harmful fumes into the air and is safe in contact with skin. However, if ingested, it can cause many negative effects. Among them:

• nausea, vomiting;
• abdominal pain, colic;
• loss of appetite;
• dizziness, loss of consciousness;
• convulsive muscle contractions;
• arrhythmia.

Sodium tetraborate can be purchased at any pharmacy - it is widely used in medicine

For this reason, for a small child who still puts everything he sees in his mouth, it is worth making slime from safer ingredients.

What does the marking say?

The marking is a good indicator of whether you are holding an industrial slime in your hands or a so-called original one, made at home. Toys from bona fide manufacturers must indicate:

• Date of manufacture.
• Manufacturer's name and location.
• Information for contacting the manufacturer/importer.
• Minimum age of the child for whom the toy is intended.
• EAC mark confirming product compliance with the standards of the countries of the Customs Union.

Five home-made toys did not have this information in the labeling: Slime Vime, Slimedesign, Thelarek.ru, slimeo.ok. Roskachestvo sent letters of claim to these distributors, and all companies have already responded, promising to make changes to the label. “Slime Superpower” does not have a warning label about handling the toy with caution.

So are homemade slimes really more dangerous than industrial ones?

Our research did not find any serious security violations in them. And although only three of these homemade slimes were found to have other violations, you need to remember that purchasing designer slimes carries certain risks. Their production process is not controlled in any way, and the products themselves are not certified.

Tatiana Butskaya

Chairman of the Council of Mothers, pediatrician, expert of the ONF

– It’s better not to buy homemade slimes. Parents should only buy slime that is certified or made from certified ingredients to ensure that the toy does not contain any hazardous substances. And even if a child wants to make his own slime from a kit, this kit must also have a certificate.

Each generation has its own toys. We collected candy wrappers and sold these collections. And our children now have the opportunity to make slime with their own hands - perhaps even a whole collection. Therefore, this hobby is not surprising. Especially if the child knows how to do something better than others. But I would still limit the sale of slimes between children, because it is not known where other children get the money to buy them. This needs to be looked at seriously.

What about homemade slimes?

When analyzing the composition of the most commonly used homemade slime recipes, about 20 potential allergens were discovered. The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis to slime is the preservatives Methylisothiazolinone and Methylisochlorothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone. These preservatives may also be present in liquid soap, shampoos and dishwashing liquid.

Other potential allergens include fragrances, stabilizers, antioxidants, and foaming agents. The risk of contact dermatitis increases when the epidermal barrier is disrupted, leading to greater permeability of irritants and allergens into the skin.

Disturbances in the epidermal barrier are a common feature of atopic dermatitis, making the skin of these children particularly susceptible to developing dermatitis from skin irritants or mild allergens.

via GIPHY

In most cases of skin irritant dermatitis, simply avoiding contact with the toy is sufficient. In cases of allergic contact dermatitis, special tests (not available in Russia) can be used to identify a specific substance - the cause of contact allergy. Testing allows you to identify the allergen and exclude it not only from the toy, but also from other products that come into contact with the skin (soaps, creams, shampoos, laundry detergents, etc.).

Who is responsible for the distribution of potentially unsafe homemade slime?

Andrey Belousov

Lawyer, Candidate of Legal Sciences

– According to paragraph 4 of Art. 7 tbsp. 492 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, it is not allowed to sell a product without information about mandatory confirmation of its compliance with mandatory requirements ensuring its safety for the life, health of the consumer, the environment and the prevention of harm to the consumer’s property.

When selling goods, the seller brings to the buyer’s attention information about confirmation of the goods’ compliance with the established requirements by marking the goods in the prescribed manner with a conformity mark and familiarizing themselves with documents confirming certification. If at the time of sale of a product there is no certificate of conformity at the place where it is sold, certifying the safety of such a product, the guilty person may be held administratively liable.

If slimes are declared by the manufacturer for sale not as a children's toy, but as souvenirs or as glue products, they do not require certification and confirmation of conformity.

Therefore, it should be recognized that there is a gap in regulatory regulation regarding slimes, associated with the emergence of a new category of goods, a new “old” method of production (not industrial, but artisanal), in which we are not talking about mass production.