A new US study released Wednesday reveals, 700-children's products have tested positive for high levels of toxic substances, such as, lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.

Researchers from the Ann Arbor, Michigan based health-advocacy group i.e. the Ecology Centre, tested the products, releasing their findings in their yearly report published just before the holiday shopping season begins.

The group tested products like toys, clothing and jewelry that could be bought as Christmas gifts for children, and found them to contain toxic substances that can cause developmental problems in children, including being linked to cancer.

Most of them turned out to be cheap and inexpensive items manufactured in China, and especially meant for sale in North America.

Tested products that have been listed as being of 'high' concern are:
" High School Musical Argyle Belt, which tested was found to have high levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic.
" Disney Princess Sandals had high levels of bromine.
" Marvel Hot Rodz cars had high levels of lead.
" Cupcake clip watch had high levels of cadmium.

Even though, the study says the lead amount in toys has declined over past years, there is still room for improvement on other items.

The Canadian Toy Association (CTC) said only a small number of toy products had high levels of toxins, with children's apparel like plastic ponchos, jewelry and bicycle accessories being the problem items.

According to the association, major retailers like Wal-Mart have removed these highly toxic toys and recommends avoiding dollar stores, when shopping for children's items.

Nearly half of tested toys contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC),with the study saying the plastic was of great concern.

The centre called PVC the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, including the fact that it contains additives hazardous to human health, as well.