Fuse beads have emerged as a trending handmade craft in 2026. Initially an educational toy designed for children, they are now wildly popular among adults. The product has seen booming sales, with over 7 million units sold across e-commerce platforms. Offline stores are also struggling to meet demand. On weekends, the stores are always full, as numerous consumers immerse themselves in this stress-relief activity.
However, this viral fuse bead toy carries potential hidden health risks. First, when pressed with a household iron at temperatures above 200℃, fuse beads can release harmful substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Harmful gases tend to build up in poorly ventilated enclosed stores. Short-term exposure may lead to a sore throat, dizziness and eye discomfort, and long-term inhalation can harm the human respiratory and immune systems. Second, bending over to make fuse beads for extended periods can easily trigger cervical spine problems. Third, staring intently at the beads for a long time can gradually impair eyesight.
