This site was designed to inform people about the dangers associated with a potentially
deadly toy known most commonly as the Water Yo-Yo Ball. However, this toy is also sold under a variety of other
names such as the Yo-Yo Meteor Ball, Yo-Yo Sport Ball, Yo-Yo Noodle Ball along with others.
On September
24, 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued what is believed to be a very mild Advisory about
the results of their investigation of this toy. The CPSC's Advisory stated that there were only 7 reported
cases of bruising and broken blood vessels. In our opinion, the CPSC did not disclose the true nature of reported
injuries. The CPSC failed to mention that children had been found unconscious, lifeless, gasping for air, foaming
at the mouth with their faces turning colors. In addition, the CPSC neglected to mention the fact that children
have been hospitalized due to their injuries from the toy. Some children even sustained permanent eye injuries which
required surgery and ongoing medical treatment.
As of April 30, 2009, the CPSC has received 418 reported
injuries related to this toy, with the majority of those injuries were classified as suffocation/strangulation.
One child passed out and hit his head so hard he sustained a skull fracture while another child was found bleeding from his
mouth and nose requiring CPR. Two children have had lens implant surgery because of severe eye trauma
when the cord of the toy snapped back and hit them with such force that it shattered the lens.
Lisa and Tina have been working to get this toy banned for sale in the United States as it has been in
several countries around the world. The CPSC continues to refuse to take the necessary action to protect our children.
The CPSC has received requests from Consumer Advocates and Politicians around the country who support a national ban of
this toy. U.S. PIRG included the Yo-Yo Water Ball in their Annual Trouble in Toyland Report in 2003, 2004 and will again in
2005. In addition, U.S. PIRG called upon the CPSC to issue a national ban in 2004 and will do so again in 2005.
State Legislatures have also begun to take action. On June 8, 2005, SB1960 was signed into law
making Illinois the first State in the country prohibit the sale of the toy. This Bill was Sponsored by Senator
Jeffrey Schoenberg (IL-D). A Companion Bill was sponsored in the House by State Representative Elizabeth Coulson (IL-R). In
New Jersey, the bill S780 which was sponsored by Senator Fred Madden (NJ-D) and bill A428 which was sponsored by Assemblymen
David Mayer (NJ-D) and Paul Moriarty (NJ-D) were passed making New Jersey the second state to ban the sale of this toy. New
York also passed A428 banning the sale of this toy. Lawmakers in Illinois, New Jersey, and New York recognize the
dangers of this toy!! Wisconsin has also introduced a bill to ban the toy.
At
the Federal Level, Congressman Rob Andrews (NJ-D) sponsored a Bill which was Co-Sponsored by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
(IL-D). HR3738 was introduced on September 13, 2005. The CPSC has received several letters from Politicians including President
Obama (while he was US Senator) urging that a national ban of the toy be issued. (Copy of Letter available upon request) The
CPSC continues to sit idle on the issue!
If your child has been injured with this toy or you
know of a child that has been injured, we ask that you please contact your Congressperson, Senator and your State Representatives,
by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page, and ask them to join in the fight to help ban this toy!
Dangerous Toys should not be allowed to be sold in the United
States. The CPSC must become responsible by informing people of the true nature of the dangers associated with the yo-yo water
ball toy and all variations of this toy. Consumers rely on the CPSC to provide accurate safety information pertaining to products
that they buy. We must continue to urge the CPSC to fulfill the duty of protecting consumers, especially the
smallest ones; OUR CHILDREN, from unsafe products!
Nothing is more valuable in this world than our children!
