With Christmas right around the corner, children throughout Pennsylvania and parts of the entire world are dreaming about the toys that they will find under the tree and in their stockings Christmas morning. While it is likely that none of those children will be thinking about the possibility that dangerous or defective toys may be included in the haul, their parents should.

In an effort to give parents a hand in the matter, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group recently released its annual toy safety report. The report identified more than 12 toys it determined violated federal safety standards. The standards were violated due to parts that were small enough that children could choke on them and levels of phthalates and lead that were too high. The group also pointed out that toys that are too loud can cause hearing damage.

The group looked at close to 200 toys and products used by children in putting together the report. The products were from a variety of large retailers as well as dollar stores. The biggest issue overall was the use of toxins and industrial chemicals. This is a concern for parents as the presence of these can potentially cause problems with reproduction down the line as well as brain damage.

Compared to previous years, the number of toys that have been recalled in fiscal year 2011 is down. So far this year a total of 34 toys have be recalled. This compares to 172 in 2008. This is likely due in large part to a 2008 law that made the standards regarding the presence of lead, much tougher.

While this holiday season dreams will come true for many kids, most would agree that the best gift is a safe holiday for all.

Source: The Washington Post, "Hazards in holiday stockings? Oscar the Grouch doll, mini-crossbow pose risks, group says," The Associated Press, Nov. 22, 2011