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Annual 'Trouble In Toyland' Report Lists 18 Possibly Dangerous Toys

DETROIT (WWJ) - A group out with its annual list of dangerous toys hopes shoppers will keep safety in mind as the holiday season begins.

The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) tested 300 toys and found alleged problems with 18 of them.

Some of the dangers cited include toys with high levels of toxic substances like phthalates and chromium, toys that are potential choking hazards, and toys that make loud sounds.

Beaumont Children's Hospital Emergency Dr. Jaime Hope says the latter can be a problem, especially for younger kids.

"Longterm it's causing damage to those tiny little eardrums," Hope told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites. "And it can cause decreased hearing that can show up in childhood and later in life."

"The earlier in childhood the hearing loss is caused, the more likely it can lead to language deficits," she said.

This year's "dangerous toys" listed in the report include Slinky, Jr., magnetic numbers and a Minions pencil case that contain chromium; a Disney Pixar Finding Nemo Dory Figurine and a fairy wand that can "easily" break apart posing a choking hazard; and a balloon animal kit that could be dangerous for children under 8, but is labeled for ages 3 and up.

Also on this year's list are the popular Fisher Price Click n Learn Remote and Vtech Spin and Learn Color Flashlight. Both, PIRGM claims, are too loud.

CLICK HERE to see the full list of toys and more details in PIRG's 30th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

It should be noted that there is some debate as to whether these toys pose a danger. The Toy Industry Association says the information by PIRG is misleading and that all toys sold in the U.S. are highly regulated 365 days a year by the federal government.

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