13 Old Products That Were Way Too Dangerous to Exist Now
Not everything from the past deserves a nostalgic comeback, especially when it comes to safety. Many old products were once considered normal, but today they would be banned in a heartbeat for how risky they really were.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Over the years, product safety standards have improved significantly, often in response to serious injuries and health concerns. Many once-popular household items, toys, and medications were eventually pulled from shelves after being linked to dangerous side effects or hazardous materials. From radioactive kits to flammable toys, some products now seem almost unbelievable in their recklessness. Revisiting them reveals just how far consumer protection has come.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
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Originally marketed as a fun outdoor game, lawn darts were essentially sharp metal projectiles. Kids would toss them into the air, hoping they would land in a ring target, but many ended up in people instead. The injuries were often severe, including skull fractures. After several fatalities, the product was banned in many countries. It is a clear example of how fun and danger were once poorly balanced.
2. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
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This science kit for children came with actual samples of radioactive materials. It was marketed as educational and encouraged kids to perform nuclear experiments at home. The set included uranium ore, which is highly unsafe with prolonged exposure. Although it was only sold for a short time, it represents an extreme lack of safety foresight. No modern toy would ever include radioactive content.
3. Asbestos Insulation Products
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For decades, asbestos was used in everything from pipe insulation to fake snow in Christmas decorations. It was praised for its heat resistance and fireproof qualities. Later, it was discovered to cause deadly illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Exposure risks were widespread, especially in homes and schools. Today, strict regulations prohibit its use in most countries.
4. Candy Cigarettes
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These candy sticks mimicked the look and feel of real cigarettes and were popular among children. They were often used in pretend play that imitated adult smoking habits. While technically harmless in content, they normalized and glamorized smoking for young audiences. Health organizations eventually raised concerns about long-term influence. Many places have since banned or restricted their sale.
5. Lead-Based Paint
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Used for its vibrant color and durability, lead paint was common in homes, toys, and furniture. Over time, flakes from walls or furniture became a serious poisoning risk for children. Ingesting or inhaling lead dust can cause developmental damage and neurological issues. It took decades before full awareness and legal action caught up. Now, its use is banned in residential applications.
6. Glass Baby Bottles with No Protection
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Before modern plastics and silicone, baby bottles were made of glass with no casing or guards. When dropped, they shattered instantly, posing obvious injury risks. Infants and parents were exposed to dangerous shards and broken edges. There were no soft grips or impact-resistant materials at the time. Today’s designs prioritize both safety and practicality.
7. Mercury Thermometers
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Mercury was once the standard for medical thermometers, used in homes, schools, and hospitals. If broken, the mercury could spill and release toxic fumes. Exposure, especially for children, poses serious health threats. Cleanup required extreme care, yet many households treated it casually. Safer digital alternatives have since replaced them almost everywhere.
8. Toy Guns with Realistic Designs
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Many toy guns from the past were nearly indistinguishable from real firearms. They had metal frames, realistic sizes, and sometimes even weight. In several tragic cases, police mistook them for real weapons. This led to strict manufacturing regulations, including required orange tips. Modern versions are designed to avoid dangerous confusion.
9. Radium Beauty Products
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In the early 20th century, cosmetics containing radium were advertised as skin-brightening and revitalizing. These creams and powders literally glowed in the dark due to radioactive content. Long-term users suffered from severe radiation poisoning, tooth loss, and even death. The belief in its rejuvenating powers was dangerously misinformed. Products like these helped spark the movement for ingredient transparency.
10. Chemistry Sets with Explosives
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Classic chemistry kits once included ingredients capable of causing small explosions or fires. Matches, acids, and flammable powders were freely packaged for home use. Children were encouraged to mix and ignite with little oversight. Accidents and injuries were common, though often dismissed as part of the learning process. Today’s kits are far more controlled and supervised.
11. Playground Equipment Over Concrete
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Older playgrounds featured towering metal slides and monkey bars installed directly over concrete or asphalt. Falls often resulted in serious injuries, yet padding or mulch was rare. The summer heat turned the equipment dangerously hot, causing burns. The design ignored basic safety considerations. Modern playgrounds use impact-absorbing surfaces and safer structures.
12. Benzedrine Inhalers
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These over-the-counter inhalers were once sold as decongestants but contained amphetamines. Users could buy them freely and experience a stimulant effect far beyond treating a stuffy nose. Addiction and misuse quickly became common. They were eventually pulled from shelves due to health concerns and abuse potential. It is hard to imagine anything similar being sold without a prescription today.
13. Clackers (or Knockers)
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This toy consisted of two acrylic balls attached to a string, which kids swung rapidly to make them hit each other. At high speeds, they could shatter or snap off, sending shards flying. Reports of eye injuries and bruises led to scrutiny. Despite being marketed as harmless fun, they were surprisingly dangerous. Updated versions are made with much safer materials and designs.