April 15, 2003
The New York Consumer Protection Board has asked stores throughout New York State to pull "water yo-yos" from their shelves. It also asked the federal government to ban their sale, calling the novelty item dangerous for children.
The toy features a rubbery, liquid-filled ball of various shapes and colors on an elastic cord.
"Because they stretch so far, the cord can easily wrap around a child's neck and cause serious injury and even death," said Teresa Santiago, chairwoman of the Consumer Protection Board. Officials are also concerned that the liquid inside could be toxic.
She asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the toys and ban their sale nationwide. A spokesman said the commission was investigating.
