Warning

2003-63
August 1, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada is reminding Canadians about a strangulation hazard from yo-yo ball toys

OTTAWA - In light of recent reports out of Alberta and British Columbia, and the fact that yo-yo balls are being distributed across the country as prizes at fairs and exhibitions, Health Canada is reminding Canadians that a toy commonly known as the yo-yo ball may pose a strangulation hazard to children. This is the second warning Health Canada issued on the yo-yo ball this year. The first was released on May 13, 2003.

The yo-yo ball toy is made of a soft, extremely pliable plastic and consists of a liquid-filled ball attached to a stretchy plastic cord that has a finger loop on one end. The toy comes in many colours and designs, e.g. spiked ball, eyeball, happy face (see photos below). It is also referred to as: yo-ball, water yo-yo ball, etc.

The toy presents a strangulation hazard due to the highly stretchable plastic cord which, when swung overhead, stretches to a great length because of the weight of the ball at its end. When the ball is swung overhead, as children like to do, the stretched cord can become wrapped around a child's neck, and, as the cord recoils, it tightens. The resulting tight wrap and the sticky quality of the plastic cord make it very difficult to remove. This may lead to injury or strangulation of the child.

There have been several reports, in Canada and other countries, of the cord becoming wrapped numerous times around a child's neck. In many cases, an adult was required to remove it. Due to the serious nature of this hazard, the sale of this toy has already been restricted in the United Kingdom and France.

The yo-yo ball toy is available at a variety of retail locations across Canada. Health Canada has begun notifying Canadian importers, distributors and retailers of the safety concerns regarding this product, and is advising the industry to remove this toy from the marketplace.

Health Canada advises Canadians to avoid purchasing the yo-yo ball toy and to safely discard any that have already been purchased or obtained at fairs and exhibitions. For further information, contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office:

Photographs of products

Media Inquiries:
Carole Saindon
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991