12 Everyday Products That Were Once Used as Poison
Some everyday items we now trust were once used to harm, not help. From beauty products to common household goods, history is full of surprising examples of items once tied to poisoning. These dark origins show how science and safety have changed how we use what’s around us.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Many of today’s ordinary products have strange and dangerous pasts that most people don’t know about. In earlier times, lack of regulation and limited knowledge led to some products being used as deadly poisons. This list explores 12 such items that were once tied to toxic uses, from cleaning agents to cosmetics. Their stories serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come in understanding chemistry and public health.
1. Arsenic in Wallpaper
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In the 19th century, green wallpaper dyed with arsenic was seen as fashionable and beautiful. People didn’t realize the poison could be released into the air, especially in damp rooms. It caused mysterious illnesses and deaths until it was finally banned.
2. Lead in Paint
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Lead made paint last longer and gave it a shiny finish, so it was widely used in homes. Over time, it was discovered that lead exposure caused serious health problems, especially in children. Today, lead-based paint is banned in many countries, but its legacy still lingers.
3. Mercury in Medicine
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Once used to treat everything from infections to constipation, mercury was a common ingredient in old medicines. Doctors didn’t know that mercury could harm the brain and organs over time. Now it’s known to be extremely toxic, and its use is strictly limited.
4. Belladonna in Cosmetics
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Women in ancient Rome and Renaissance Europe used drops made from belladonna to make their eyes look larger. The plant is highly poisonous and could cause blurred vision, hallucinations, or even death. Beauty, in this case, came at a dangerous cost.
5. Radium in Watches and Beauty Products
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When radium was discovered, its glowing effect was considered magical and healthy. It was added to wristwatches, toothpaste, and even face creams. It wasn’t until factory workers got sick and died that people realized it was radioactive and deadly.
6. Strychnine as a Stimulant
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Strychnine, now known as a deadly poison, was once used in small doses as a performance booster and even a tonic. Athletes and patients were given it to “wake up” the body and mind. The risks were ignored until its dangers became undeniable.
7. Cocaine in Coca-Cola
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Coca-Cola originally included small amounts of cocaine from coca leaves. At the time, cocaine was considered a health tonic and even prescribed by doctors. The drug was removed once its addictive effects became widely known.
8. Chloroform as a Sleep Aid
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Chloroform was used as a common anesthetic and even a household remedy for sleep. People didn’t understand that repeated exposure could lead to liver damage or sudden death. Eventually, safer alternatives replaced it in both medicine and homes.
9. Lye in Hair Products
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Lye, a caustic chemical, was once used in early hair relaxers to straighten curls. If left on too long, it could burn the scalp or cause permanent hair loss. Though it’s still in use today in controlled amounts, its dangers are now carefully labeled.
10. Formaldehyde in Household Items
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Formaldehyde was used to preserve bodies and stop decay. It was added to furniture, glues, and fabrics. It helped prevent mold but released toxic fumes over time. Health concerns led to strict rules about how much could be used in everyday products.
11. Thallium in Pesticides and Hair Removal
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Thallium was once sold as rat poison and even used in hair removal products. People weren’t aware it could be absorbed through the skin and damage nerves or organs. It was eventually banned for consumer use because of its high toxicity.
12. Tobacco as Medicine
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Before its link to cancer was known, tobacco was used to treat asthma, colds, and even digestive issues. Smoking and chewing tobacco were recommended by doctors. Today, it’s one of the most well-known health risks in the world.