Sofia Martinez
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a toy manufactured from the 1970s to the 1980s by Wham-O. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles. The product was made from several petroleum-based products, including acetone, polyvinyl acetate, and benzene. The benzene kept the substance malleable until it evaporated, leaving behind a rainbow-coloured bubble. However, the toy emitted noxious fumes, which could become concentrated inside the straw, making it dangerous to inhale while blowing bubbles. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic has since been discontinued and banned in Canada due to its toxicity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand name | Super Elastic Bubble Plastic |
| Manufactured by | Wham-O |
| Manufactured during | 1970s through the 80s |
| Consisted of | A tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw |
| Usage | Used to blow semi-solid bubbles |
| Toxic chemicals | Polyvinyl acetate, acetone, benzene |
| Risk | Increasing the risk of cancer, specifically Leukemia |
| Outlawed in | Australia and Canada |
| Not recommended for | Children under 5 |
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What You'll Learn
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic's ingredients
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a children's toy manufactured from the 1970s through the 80s. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles.
The main ingredients of Super Elastic Bubble Plastic were several petroleum-based products, including acetone (the main ingredient in nail polish remover) and polyvinyl acetate. The rainbow-coloured substance in each tube was polyvinyl acetate mixed with acetone, plus a mixture of benzene. The benzene kept the substance malleable until it evaporated, leaving behind a rainbow-coloured bubble.
The toy emitted noxious fumes, which could become concentrated inside the straw, making it dangerous to inhale while blowing the bubbles. The product was also difficult to clean up if spilled.
The potential health risks associated with the toy included dizziness, narcosis, poisoning, permanent brain damage, and an increased risk of cancer, specifically leukaemia.
Due to these concerns, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was discontinued and is now banned in Canada.
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The toy's potential for spills
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a children's toy manufactured from the 1970s through the 1980s. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles. The toy had a high potential for spills, as the liquid plastic was handled by children and could easily be spilled or spread onto other surfaces. This was one of the reasons the toy was eventually discontinued.
The process of playing with the toy involved squeezing a pea-sized amount of the plastic substance from the tube and rolling it into a small ball. One end of the straw was then inserted into the ball, and the user would blow into the other end, inflating the plastic into a bubble. The bubble could then be removed from the straw and sealed by pinching the hole closed. This process created multiple opportunities for spills and messes, especially when performed by children.
The liquid plastic was described as having a consistency similar to bubblegum, and it could easily stick to surfaces or create a mess if not handled carefully. In addition to the potential for spills, the substance also emitted noxious fumes, which could become concentrated inside the straw. This made it dangerous to inhale through the straw while inflating a bubble, posing a risk to children's health.
The toy was not recommended for children under five due to the potential hazards. The spills and messes created by the liquid plastic could also be challenging to clean up, potentially staining surfaces or fabrics. The toy's discontinuation was a result of both its potential for spills and the health risks associated with the fumes.
Overall, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic presented a significant potential for spills and messes, which contributed to its eventual discontinuation. The toy's design and the nature of the liquid plastic made it challenging for children to handle without creating a mess. While it provided entertainment and a unique play experience, the potential for spills was a notable drawback that parents and caregivers had to consider when allowing their children to play with this toy.
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The noxious fumes emitted
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a children's toy manufactured from the 1970s through the 1980s by Wham-O. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles. The bubble solution was made of several different petroleum-based products, including acetone (the main ingredient in nail polish remover), polyvinyl acetate, and benzene.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has linked benzene exposure to an increased risk of cancer, specifically leukemia. Inhaling the fumes from Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was also identified as a potential cause of dizziness and narcosis, which could lead to a coma. The toy was not recommended for children under 5 years old, and similar products are now banned in Canada.
The potential dangers of Super Elastic Bubble Plastic were not immediately apparent to consumers, as the colourful packaging and enticing advertisements created a sense of desire among children. The product was marketed as a fun and creative way to blow bubbles, without emphasizing the associated health risks. Despite the dangers, some individuals have fond memories of playing with Super Elastic Bubble Plastic and recall the unique experience it offered.
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The toy's discontinuation
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a children's toy manufactured from the 1970s through the 1980s by Wham-O. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles. The bubble could then be removed from the straw and sealed, with the size of each bubble depending on the amount of plastic used.
Despite its popularity, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was discontinued due to safety concerns. The toy posed risks of spills and emitted noxious fumes, which could become concentrated inside the straw and be inhaled by users. This was especially dangerous as the product contained toxic chemicals such as polyvinyl acetate, acetone, and benzene. Inhalation of these fumes could lead to dizziness, headaches, and even increase the risk of cancer, specifically leukemia.
The potential health hazards associated with the toy led to its discontinuation and even bans in certain countries. Australia's Consumer Affairs outlawed Super Elastic Bubble Plastic due to concerns over "dizziness and narcosis," stating that inhaling the vapors could result in poisoning and potentially induce a coma. Similarly, the toy was banned in Canada and subject to a recall in 2016.
While Super Elastic Bubble Plastic is no longer available, it has left a lasting impact on those who played with it during their childhood. Many individuals reminisce about the toy's unique smell, the fun of blowing bubbles, and the joy it brought to their birthday parties and gatherings. Despite the dangers, some users fondly recall their experiences with the product, highlighting the complex nature of nostalgia and the appeal of toys that push the boundaries of safety.
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The product's marketing
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a children's toy manufactured from the 1970s through the 1980s by Wham-O. It consisted of a tube of viscous plastic substance and a thin straw used to blow semi-solid bubbles. The product was made of several petroleum-based products, including acetone, polyvinyl acetate, and benzene.
The marketing for Super Elastic Bubble Plastic focused on the fun and creativity that children could have with the toy. The packaging was designed to be enticing and desirable, with bright colours and a catchy name. The toy was advertised on TV, with commercials emphasising the name and showing hippies tossing the bubbles around. The product was also marketed as a way for children to create their own toys, with the ritual of squeezing the plastic from the tube, rolling it into a ball, and blowing it up through the straw.
The dangers of Super Elastic Bubble Plastic were not widely known or communicated to consumers during the time it was manufactured and sold. The product emitted noxious fumes that could become concentrated inside the straw, making it dangerous to inhale while inflating a bubble. The toy was not recommended for children under 5 due to the risk of spills and inhalation of fumes. The potential toxicity of the product, including the risk of cancer and leukemia, was not disclosed to consumers.
Today, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic is no longer sold due to its potential health and safety risks. It has been discontinued and banned in some countries, such as Canada and Australia. However, similar products with different brand names, such as "Bloonies" and "Crystal Ball," can still be found on Amazon and in some supermarkets or toy stores. These products may be marketed as nostalgic toys for adults who played with Super Elastic Bubble Plastic as children.
Overall, the marketing of Super Elastic Bubble Plastic focused on the fun and creativity of the toy, without addressing the potential health and safety risks associated with the product. While it is no longer sold under its original brand name, similar products can still be found on the market, targeting consumers who are nostalgic for the toy from their childhood.
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Frequently asked questions
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was made of several petroleum-based products, including acetone, polyvinyl acetate, and benzene. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of cancer, specifically leukemia. Australia’s Consumer Affairs has also banned the product due to the potential for "dizziness and narcosis…potentially putting an individual into a coma."
The primary danger of using super elastic bubble plastic was inhaling the noxious fumes that became concentrated inside the straw. This could lead to poisoning and other serious health issues. The toy was not recommended for children under 5 due to the risk of spills and inhalation of fumes.
Users have reported dizziness, headaches, and a crushing sensation in the head when using super elastic bubble plastic. Some have also speculated that it may have caused permanent brain damage.
The main ingredients of super elastic bubble plastic were acetone (the main ingredient in nail polish remover), polyvinyl acetate, and benzene. The benzene kept the substance malleable until it evaporated, leaving behind a rainbow-colored bubble.
Yes, a similar product called "Bloonies" can be purchased on Amazon. However, it is important to note that this type of toy has been banned in Canada due to safety concerns, and users should be cautious of potential toxicity and inhalation risks.
