Homemade slime is wildly popular among elementary and middle school aged children. 

 

A quick search online brings up thousands of recipes for slime. Many use household items like glue, cornstarch, and borax.

 

Dr. Amy Romashko, director of Urgent Care at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, warns borax can be harmful if inhaled, "On its own, when it's diluted and made into slime the risk is pretty low, but borax, although it's a natural chemical, it can be lethal in higher doses in kids and adults."

 

She says think of it like baking with flour. Kids don't keep the flour in the bowl like an adult.

 

"It's just a little bit smarter to have the adults doing the measuring and making sure that it makes it into the other mixture without exposure to the child," she added.

 

Symptoms to watch for include respiratory complaints and eye irritation.

 

Dr. Romashko says, "A good, safe way to do this is, if you're going to play with it great but then wash your hands afterward."

 

Another option is to make slime without borax. 8-year-old Redford and 12-year-old Russell made one slime that uses liquid laundry detergent, glue, water and baking soda.

 

If you think your child is having a reaction to slime or its ingredients call your pediatrician or Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.