CPSC Announces Results of Investigation of Yo-Yo Water Ball Toys

Date of Recall

2003-09-24

CPSC Release Number

03-190

Description

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission believes there is a low but potential risk of strangulation from the yo-yo water ball toy. The stretchy cord of the toy can wrap around a child's neck when the child swings the toy overhead like a lasso. Parents who are concerned about this risk could, in addition to closely supervising the use of this toy, cut the cord off the toy (leaving a squishy toy ball for children to play with) or throw the toy away.

The Commission has received 186 reports of incidents in which the yo-yo ball toy's cord wrapped around a child's neck. In all cases, a parent or child successfully removed the cord from the child's neck. Although there were no lasting injuries, seven cases reported broken blood vessels affecting eyes, eyelids, cheeks, neck, scalp or the area behind the ears. CPSC staff realizes that the reported incidents are uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking events for children and adults. However, based on information currently available, the CPSC staff has concluded that the toy poses a low risk of strangulation, especially for younger children. Based on the pattern of incidents, the number of products involved, the low likelihood of strangulation, and the technical staff's assessment of the risk of injury presented by the product, the yo-yo water ball toy does not meet congressionally mandated standards for product recall.

The Commission also investigated reports of potential toxicity from the liquid inside the toy and flammability from a flame test of the yo-yo ball toy. CPSC staff found no toxicity or flammability concerns.

We believe that parents should exercise caution in allowing children to play with this toy, said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. The Commission will continue to monitor incidents involving the yo-yo waterball toy.

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