Australian consumer regulators are investigating several kinds of squishies toys sold in Australia after testing in Denmark found the toys contained hazardous chemicals.

Squishies are small, foam-like toys similar in texture to stress balls. They come in the shape of animals and food such as hamburgers, cupcakes, strawberries and ice-cream cones.

They are widely sold across Australia at major retailers, including Smiggle, Target, Kmart and Big W, as well as online, and are immensely popular with young children.

A Danish test found that squishies emit high levels of ‘dangerous’ chemicals. Photo: Smiggle

Recent Danish government testing revealed the toys emitted “high levels” of harmful chemicals.

On Wednesday, Consumer Protection in WA told The New Daily it was testing five kinds of squishies from various suppliers, and its South Australian equivalent was testing seven.

“We’ll be sharing those results with all product safety regulators and then decide what appropriate action to take,” a spokesman said.

Consumer and Business Services South Australia confirmed that while no local concerns had been raised, it was working with its state and federal counterparts to investigate.

This comes a week after The New Daily exposed that the dangerous chemicals found in squishies in Denmark are used in paint thinner and nail polish remover.

They include dimethylformamide, styrene and toluene, which the Danish agency said could cause cancer, liver damage, eye irritation and impair fertility.

The issue has raised concerns about products that are sold in Australia before all of their chemical ingredients have been tested for potential long-term health effects.

Despite the overseas findings and Australian parents expressing safety concerns, retailers Smiggle, Kmart, Target and Big W have shown no indication they will pull the products from shelves.

Concerned consumers can report unsafe products online to consumer watchdog ACCC, or contact their state consumer body.