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Safety Alert: Annual Trouble In Toyland Report

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The holiday season is here, and the shopping for many has begun, but it's important to keep in mind that not all toys are created equally--and some may actually be on the "Trouble in Toyland" report--toy's considered unsafe for children.

Each year, the annual U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a watchdog safety group, releases a list of dangerous toys.

"We need to protect our littlest consumers from unsafe toys," said Jenny Levin of the US PIRG.

This year's Trouble in Toyland report rounded-up 50 toys from store shelves to test for potential hazards.

The Leap Frog Chat and Count Smartphone, coming in at 85 decibels which is about as loud as a garbage disposal, is too loud for tiny ears. Also on the list, a Captain America soft shield has 29-times the accepted level of lead.

Furthermore, batteries and powerful magnets can do harm if swallowed and so can toys with tiny parts—like the Just Like Home Super Play Food Set.

A simple test for parents to check if a toy presents a choking hazard is the following: if the toy fits inside a wrapping or toilet paper roll—then it's simply too small.

Gina Seebachan, a parent who runs a play center, said she hand picks what gets put on the floor and in children's hands.

"When I'm looking at toys I am seeing if they can put it in their mouths and if they will get sick," said Seebachan.

Over the last five years, due to tougher product standards, toy recalls have declined over the last five years. Consumer advocates say the goal is to get the most toxic toys off store shelves.

For more information, and to better ensure tot's safety over the holiday's, the PIRG has a free smart phone app that parents can look up any potential dangers.

To see the entire list, click here.

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