Annual Toy Safety Report Released Ahead Of The Holidays

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Before you do your holiday toy shopping this year, you may want to check your list twice to make sure the toys you are buying are safe.

CALPIRG has come out with its 26th annual "Trouble in Toyland" report and it shows there are still some dangers on the shelves at local stores.

The Elmo cell phone, for example, doesn't sound obnoxiously loud but for young children holding it close to their ear, it could cause hearing damage.

Toys that seem to have been around for ages are also popping up on the list, like plastic handcuffs found at toy stores and carnivals all over. CALPIRG's lab found 20 times the amount of antimony, a known carcinogen, in the coating of the handcuffs.

Parents need to make sure toys are age-appropriate. The information should be written on the package and if it's not, avoid buying the item.

The group says many improvements have been made, but there are still too many toys containing lead and other dangerous chemicals.

Consumers can check the list and read the "Trouble in Toyland" report at www.toysafety.mobi.