Minister warns of dangers of yo-yo ball toy

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today reiterated Health Canada�s warning that a toy known as the yo-yo ball may pose a strangulation hazard to children.

Minister Smith asked parents and guardians to refrain from purchasing these toys for their children, and businesses to cease sale of this product. The yo-yo ball consists of a liquid-filled ball attached to a stretchy plastic cord that has a finger loop on one end. The composition of the toy - the stretchable, sticky plastic cord and the weighted ball at the end - poses a strangulation risk to children and makes the object very difficult to remove if wrapped around a person�s neck.

"I have been made aware of two cases in this province where play with the yo-yo ball has resulted in the toy wrapping around a child�s neck, causing him/her to have difficulty in breathing," said Minister Smith. "Fortunately for both of these children and their families an adult was present to remove the toy before serious damage could be done, however both incidents were potentially life-threatening. In my opinion, this is two cases too many."

While Health Canada issued advisories about the toy in May and earlier this month, Minister Smith feels the federal government needs to take further action to impose a full ban on the product.

"I have sent a letter to the federal Minister of Health asking that the federal government implement a total ban on this toy," said Minister Smith. "As well, I intend to raise this issue next week when I meet with my colleagues from other jurisdictions and the federal Minister of Health."

Media contact: Gail Tucker, Communications, (709) 729-2788

2003 08 29                                         1:00 p.m.