By I-Hsien Sherwood | i.sherwood@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Nov 21, 2012 07:28 PM EST

Every child loves presents, but some seemingly harmless gifts can be dangerous or deadly.

The annual list of dangerous toys was released by U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a consumer and environmental advocacy organization.

Dangers include high levels of lead-which can cause brain damage and mental impairment in children, high levels of phthalates-chemicals which can cause birth defects, choking hazards, excessively noisy toys-which can damage young eardrums, and strong magnets-which can cause internal damage if swallowed.

U.S. PIRG also provided examples of toys that violate these safety standards.

Morphobot - high levels of lead
The shape-changing toy robot contains lead at 180 part per million, above the 100ppm standard set in 2011.

Dora the Explorer backpack - high Levels of phthalates
This backpack emblazoned with the popular cartoon character contains phthalate levels of 320ppm. That is below the federal limit of 1000ppm set for the chemical, but above the level set by California and Washington State.

Dora Tunes Guitar - excessively loud
This toy guitar play sounds louder than 85 decibels, above the limit of 80 decibels generally recognized as safe for the ears of young children.

Caterpillar Honk and Rumble Wheel - excessively loud
This toy steering wheel and car horn plays sounds louder than 85 decibels, above the limit of 80 decibels generally recognized as safe for the ears of young children.

FunKeys - excessively loud
This toy car key remote plays sounds louder than 85 decibels, above the limit of 80 decibels generally recognized as safe for the ears of young children.

Snake Eggs - strong magnets and choking hazard
These small toy magnets are easy to swallow and can cause internal damage if the magnets stick together around vital organs.

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