Silly String is generally considered low in toxicity when used as directed, but it is not harmless or edible. A brief skin exposure or accidental taste is unlikely to cause serious poisoning, but the product can irritate the eyes, mouth, throat, or skin.
A small accidental amount will usually cause, at most, temporary mouth or stomach irritation. Rinse the mouth, but do not induce vomiting.
Direct exposure can cause significant irritation. Rinse continuously with lukewarm water for about 15 minutes, removing contact lenses when easily possible.
Normal outdoor or well-ventilated use is unlikely to cause poisoning, but concentrated or intentional inhalation of aerosol contents can be harmful or fatal.
Brief contact is usually minor; wash it off. Prolonged close-range spraying can potentially cause irritation or a cold-related injury such as frostbite.
The can is pressurized and can burst when heated. Some older or off-brand aerosol-string products have also been recalled for flammable propellants, so keep every product away from flames, candles and high heat.
Use only with adult supervision and never aim toward anyone’s face or eyes.
“Silly String” is a general term that can refer either to the trademarked product or to similar aerosol party strings. These products normally contain a polymer mixture plus a compressed propellant. The official SILLY STRING Brand safety sheet does not classify its product as a hazardous substance under the cited U.S. consumer-product rules and describes it as nonflammable under the applicable test. However, it still carries a warning because the container contains gas under pressure and may explode if heated.
Other party-string formulations are specifically classified as capable of causing serious eye irritation. The principal practical risk is therefore local irritation rather than whole-body poisoning. Material sprayed into the eyes may cause burning, redness and watering; extended close-range spraying can increase the risk of injury.
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