There's still plenty to worry about what you find in the toy aisles despite new federal rules that limit certain toxins from children's toys, according to U.S. PIRG, a federation of state public interest research groups.

The group's state office, N.C. Public Interest Research Group, released the 2008 Trouble in Toyland report this morning at WakeMed's Children's Emergency Department. Toy-related injuries sent more than 80,000 kids under the age of five to the emergency room last year. Eighteen died that year from toy-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The group said lead in toys and children's jewelry, toxic phthalates and choking hazards remain big concerns. New federal rules will require more independent testing of toys and also limit the amount of lead and phthalates in toys, but they generally don't go into effect until early next year.

Ashley Chase, public interest advocate for the state group, said that because the new rules aren't in effect, it's still buyer beware for this shopping season.

And the group is worried about the future safety of toys despite the new rules. A new legal opinion from the Consumer Product Safety Commission says that companies can continue to sell toys with phthalate chemicals until they run out instead of February. Research has found that potential health effects of exposure to phthalates include reproductive defects, early onset puberty and lower sperm counts.

"You never know how many backlogged toys they have," Chase said.

The report names a handful of toys as potential hazards. They include:

Silly Fish Squirters, made by Toysmith. Phthalates were found at levels of 64 to 400 times the amount allowed by the pending federal rules, which go into effect in February.

Pony Land Scented Pony Pet, made by JA-RU, inc. Phthalates were found at levels of 95 times the amount allowed by the new rules that go into effect in February.

Red Plastic Super Car, made by Four Seasons General. Lead paint was found above the levels allowed by the pending federal rules, which ban lead paint levels in excess of 90 ppm effective August 2009.

Halloween Skull Earring, made by Fashion Earrings. Lead was found in excess of both current and new rules.

Littlest Pet Shop, made by Hasbro. The packaging doesn't meet federal rules that regulate labeling for small parts.

This is hardly a comprehensive list. To read the full report and see pictures of the highlighted toys, click here. And to learn more about dangerous toys, check out www.healthytoys.org or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Toy Hazards Recall page.