LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A consumer safety group wants you to be aware of some toy dangers this holiday season.
The United State Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) breaks down the most common hazards on store shelves today and then gets the information out to the public to prevent injuries and death from unsafe toys.
"We must protect our littlest consumers," said Erin Larkin with USPIRG. "There are definitely still toy hazards out there."
It's a concern for those buying for little ones.
"Absolutely, all the time it's a concern for me," said toy shopper Christy Bradley. "I'm always looking to make sure I'm not buying anything that he can put in his mouth because it only takes a minute for him to choke on something."
The group tests toys year round looking for four things: choking hazards, toxic chemicals like lead, magnetic toys that can cause internal damage when ingested and excessively noisy toys.
"Any prolonged exposure to toys that are over 85 decibels can lead to some degree of hearing loss in any age range," Larkin said.
When shopping for a young child or baby, it's recommended that you bring a larger cylinder, like an empty toilet paper roll, to test if a toy poses a choking hazard.
The bottom line is you need to think about a toy's impact on a child before buying it and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
USPIRG has posted their report and warnings on specific toys as well as tips to help you be smart and safe on its website www.toysafety.mobi.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
