Beware of soap-bubble toys, Hong Kong parents warned

Toys containing soap bubbles could harbour micro-organisms that are harmful to children, the Consumer Council warned parents on Monday.

It tested 12 toys selected at random and found the total microbial count was relatively high in two models, one of which contained a pathogen that could cause illness.

Children who played with such toys and then touched their the eyes or ate without first washing their hands might suffer a bacterial infection with symptoms such as red eyes, conjunctivitis, a swollen throat, skin irritation, gastroenteritis and fever.

“The product should be used up as quickly as possible after it is opened,” said Professor Wong Kam-fai, chairman of the council’s research and testing committee. “People should wash their skin and clothes at once after playing with soap bubbles.”

Dr Louis Shih Tai-cho, a dermatologist, said: “Research found the source of water was not clean, and some of the manufacturers were from Guangdong province.

“Any toy with water has risks, because bacteria needs to live in a watery environment and could be found in toys containing water. That is why parents have to be very careful with toys with water.”