Isothiazolinones Common in Children's Toy Slime

Abstract

Background: Contact dermatitis to homemade slime has been frequently reported, with isothiazolinones as a likely sensitizer. Little is known on the presence of these preservatives in commercial, store-bought slime products.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to review the literature on "slime dermatitis" and to assess for the presence of isothiazolinones in commercially available slime products and homemade slime components.

Methods: An experimental, colorimetric spot test was used to verify the presence of isothiazolinones in 38 slime products of the 16 best-selling commercial slime kits, 1 finished homemade slime, and 4 common components of homemade slime. High-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was performed on 8 commercial slime products.

Results: According to the spot test, 27 (71%) of the 38 commercial slime products contained isothiazolinones. High-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection analyses indicated, however, that false-positives and false-negatives readily occur: isothiazolinone content was correctly identified in only 4 (50%) of the 8 samples.

Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of isothiazolinones in commercial slime toys. Although the colorimetric spot test may have some utility as a screening assay, it is far from specific and likely not sensitive enough to reliably identify methylisothiazolinone.