Child suffers chemical burns from ‘lip gloss’ in illegally imported toy

ERBIL — A five-year-old girl named Asrin Amir sustained severe chemical burns to her face after playing with a smuggled cartoon toy containing purple lip gloss, officials said. The toy, marketed as “Mahir,” is popular among children for its small surprises but was illegally imported without an expiration date.

According to Asrin’s father, Amir Ahmed, the incident occurred when his daughter purchased the toy from a shop near their home. He explained to 964media, “My daughter bought the toy from a shop near our home. Inside, there was lipstick. She applied it to her lips while playing. Later that night, she went to bed with the toy, and by morning, her face was burned, and one of her eyes couldn’t open.” Ahmed said they sought immediate medical attention. “We’ve consulted three doctors so far. Her condition has improved with treatment, but she still requires further care,” he said.

Doctors confirmed that the lipstick inside the toy contained a corrosive chemical unsuitable for use in children’s products.

Asrin herself urged families to avoid purchasing such toys. “I ask other kids not to buy toys like this, and I hope the government stops them from being sold so no one else gets hurt like me,” she told 964media.

Dr. Ismail Barznji, Director of Health Surveillance in Erbil, spoke to 964media about the case: “We will visit the store where the toy was sold to trace its source. All such toys will be confiscated because they were smuggled and not legally approved for sale.”