Beware: Elmo's Voice Could Hurt You

The ConnPIRG released the results of the 2011 toy safety survey this week and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Attorney General George Jepsen and other state officials were present to offer their support of the list.

It seems that every year for the past 15 years, anything Elmo has been popular. One such item, the Elmo's World, Talking Cell Phone by Fisher-Price poses a potential noise hazard that could damage a child's hearing. The maximum sound level allowed for "close to the ear" toys is 65 dB and this toy tested at 66-74 dB.

The Hotwheels, Super Stunt RAT BOMB vehicle also could damage a child's hearing. For a toy such as this, which would be used about 10-inches from the child's ear, 85 dB is the maximum level allowed. This toy tested at 90-93 dB.

Choking hazards are always a big part of the PIRG lists and this year a Sesame Street Oscar Doll with a garbage can lid for a hat has been deemed dangerous because the hat breaks off easily and could choke a child 3 and younger.

According to a chart within the report, more than 250,000 children were treated for toy-related injuries in emergency rooms. At least 17 children under that age of 15 died.

ConnPIRG has created a mobile phone app that parents can consult while shopping. The app includes a list of examples of dangerous toys, shopping tips and the organization's report. It can be obtained for free at http://www.toysafety.mobi

If you are buying toys for small children, ConnPIRG offers this tip: bring a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper with you when you go shopping to measure the size of the toys. Any item that fits in the tube is not appropriate for children under the age of three.

Before you go shopping for the holidays, check out ConnPIRG's complete "Trouble in Toyland" report, including descriptions of toys listed as dangerous, at http://bit.ly/tNc8XC.