![]() ![]() Slime made with eyewash or contact lens solution. My daughter’s friend makes her slime with contact lens solution. However, upon close inspection, I discovered that the active ingredient in liquid starch is the same active ingredient in powdered Borax: sodium tetraborate. My daughter described it as “stretchy, more like putty.” And it looks good with or without glitter. The slime, which was made with glue, liquid starch, water and food coloring, was deemed a success. Slime made with liquid starch contains the same ingredients. I thought this was the answer, having found recipes for so-called “safe slime” using liquid starch. You can slowly dip your hand into it like a liquid, but if you squeeze it or punch it, it will feel solid. Oobleck has properties of both liquids and solids. Slime made with just cornstarch is not slime. According to my daughter, this is oobleck, which is not slime. I set out to find recipes that do not use Borax, thinking that was the answer. ![]() But what exactly are “high levels” of borax? And how is it toxic – by breathing its dust? From absorption into the skin? By tasting it? Health Canada has found that overexposure to boric acid has “the potential to cause developmental and reproductive health effects.” And a pediatrician was quoted as saying “too much Borax can lead to medical problems including things like seizures.” YIKES. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) warns: “(Borax) may damage fertility or causes serious eye irritation.” They also state that anyone exposed to high levels of borax may give birth to babies with faulty genes later in life. I read an article recently stating that homemade slime may be damaging kids’ health. But are the ingredients in homemade slime actually safe? It’s not unusual for me to find the kitchen cluttered with bowls upon bowls filled with shaving cream, glue, food dye and Borax. My daughter and her friends watch YouTube videos online and post pictures on Instagram of their slime creations. Homemade slime is “the thing” these days. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |