Safety experts slam Yo-Yo Water Ball as unsafe

12:00AM / Wednesday, June 11, 2003Print Story | Email Story

Unsafe at any speed?

A popular new toy, known as the "Yo-Yo Water Ball," a liquid filled bungee ball, has been known to poison and choke young children as well as ignite rapidly when in contact with an open flame. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation wants parents to understand the immediate dangers of this toy and urges the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the toy. "It was clear this toy was unsafe from the minute I touched it," said Beth Lindstrom, Director of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. "The smell of gasoline was quite potent and lingered on my hands for so long - it was unmistakable that this toy was hazardous." Scientist Jim Polansky investigated the Yo-Yo Water Ball at his Expert Chemical Analysis lab in San Diego, California. Polansky found that the water inside does not appear to be toxic, but discovered the ball itself is made from diesel hydrocarbons. "I was stunned when I held a lighter to a piece of this diesel gel ball. It caught fire instantly and burned so hot it broke the lab dish beneath it," Polansky said. "The water inside did nothing to slow the burn." Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan agrees the toy is a fire hazard. "Things that catch fire quickly are not safe playthings for our youngsters and could cause needless fires and burn injuries" said Coan. "I join with Director Lindstrom in urging the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to complete their investigation and recall this unsafe product as expeditiously as possible." In addition to the fire hazard, the Yo-Yo Water Ball can easily choke a child. The cord is made of a rubbery plastic, which extends four or five feet and since this is not a typical hard wooden yo-yo, children are not afraid to swing these soft squishy yo-yo's around their heads. "It would only take a second for these stretchy cords to become tangled around a child's neck," said Lindstrom. "Further, children squeeze, pull and squish these yo-yo's and the plastic exterior can easily be broken. The substance inside is intriguing to a young one, but the exterior casing may be toxic and should not be consumed by children." In New York State, the Consumer Protection Board called for the removal of this toy from store shelves after a six-year-old boy broke open the plastic ball and consumed some of its contents and another was strangled by the Yo-Yo Ball's cord. Lindstrom supports New York in their call for action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has the power to produce a recall of this toy. Currently, there are 30 different types of water balls made in China and Taiwan and shipped to stores in the United States under such names as "Yo-Yo Water Ball" and "Water Yo-Yo." Selling for approximately a dollar a piece, this product can be found locally at 7-Eleven, Ocean State Job Lot, Buck-A-Book and other bargain stores. The Yo-Yo Water Ball can also be purchased online. Ebay (www.ebay.com) currently lists over 12 different types of Yo-Yo Water Balls for sale and The Imperial Toy Corporation's website (www.imperialtoys.com) advertises the toy as: "The absolute hottest, most wackiest craze in the entire toy industry since the beginning of 2003, has been the Yo Yo Water Ball. Simply filled with water for tons of fun and available in hot neon colors for fast action finger fun and more . . . Throw it! Catch it! Bounce it! Join the craze now!!!!!" Consumers who have questions about the dangers of this toy can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs toll free at 888-283-3757.

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:57PM / Friday, December 19, 2025

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

What do the current owners love about this home?

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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