Small vacuums can be good for cleaning up small messes. But tests of nearly a dozen hand vacuums turned up a problem.

Dirt Devil's Kone Vacuum cleaner is the best-selling hand vacuum on the market. More than 400 thousand have been sold so far. Consumer Reports just evaluated the Kone, along with other widely available hand vacuums.

Testers put fine, uniform sand on carpets as well as floors to see how well they will pick up dirt. Testers discovered a safety hazard with some Dirt Devil Kones.

"All six of the Kone hand vacs tested threw some sand particles out their exhaust ports towards testers' faces and eyes. We also vacuumed up a broken light bulb -- another common cleaning task-- and again particles flew out the exhaust ports. That can be dangerous," said Consumer Reports' Bob Markovich.

Consumer Reports found the problem with two Kone models: the M0213 and the similar M0212. All have an "L" code on the vacuum, as well as on the box.

"We contacted the manufacturer, TTI Floor Care. The company then performed its own sand tests and said it saw what it called 'blow-by' on some of the same models Consumer Reports tested," explained Markovich

The manufacturer says the "blow-by" is linked to an undersized filter adapter on some "L" coded Kones. But it says newer vacuums with a "J" code have a better-sealing adapter.

"We tested Kones with the newer part and they did not spew particles," confirmed Markovich.

Consumer Reports tests show there are plenty of good hand vacuums to choose from, including the top-rated Black & Decker model PHV1800.

It goes for $70.

Dirt Devil's manufacturer told Consumer Reports it has not received any reports of injuries with the Kone vacuums and does not believe there is an issue. Nevertheless, Consumer Reports says if you own one of the "L" coded Dirt Devil Kones; don't use it until you've replaced the filter adapter.

To get the free part from the company, call 1-800-321-1134.

Consumer Reports has also asked the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to open an investigation.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen