Products come and go in the marketplace, but some disappear not because of fading popularity, but because they’re deemed too dangerous or harmful to continue selling. Over the years, many items that were once household staples have been banned, restricted, or heavily regulated due to safety hazards, health risks, or environmental impact.
What’s fascinating is how common many of these products once were. From toys that posed hidden dangers to everyday chemicals now known to cause long-term harm, these items were a part of daily life until studies, lawsuits, and tragic accidents forced regulators to act.
The list below covers 10 products that were once found in homes across America but are now nearly impossible to buy legally. Some have been outright banned, while others are so restricted that they’re effectively gone from store shelves.
1. Asbestos-Containing Products
Once hailed as a “miracle material” for its heat resistance and durability, asbestos was used in everything from building insulation and roofing materials to automotive parts and even household appliances. It was considered essential for fireproofing and was widely incorporated into construction during the mid-20th century.
However, as studies revealed asbestos fibers cause severe lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, regulations cracked down on its use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began banning asbestos-containing products in the late 1970s. Today, while asbestos hasn’t been completely banned in the U.S., its use is so heavily restricted that it’s virtually impossible to find in new consumer products.
2. Lead-Based Paint
For decades, lead-based paint was the go-to choice for both homes and toys because of its durability and bright colors. Unfortunately, lead is highly toxic, particularly for children, and can cause severe neurological damage.
By the late 1970s, mounting health studies and advocacy led to the U.S. banning lead-based paint in residential homes and on consumer products. While it’s now illegal to sell new products containing lead paint, the danger persists in older homes that haven’t been properly renovated.
3. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, were a popular outdoor game in the 1960s and 70s. The concept was simple: toss the heavy, pointed darts toward a target on the lawn. Unfortunately, the metal tips caused thousands of injuries, including fatal head injuries in children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) officially banned lawn darts in 1988 after a series of high-profile accidents. While modified “safety” versions exist today, the original weighted, metal-tipped lawn darts are now illegal to sell or distribute.
4. Crib Bumpers
For years, crib bumpers were marketed as a way to protect babies from hitting their heads on crib slats. However, safety experts now know that crib bumpers increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
After decades of advocacy from pediatric groups, the U.S. banned the sale of padded crib bumpers in 2022 under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. Parents are now encouraged to use cribs with nothing but a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
5. Mercury Thermometers
Mercury thermometers, once a household staple, were prized for their accuracy. However, mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and even small spills can contaminate homes and require expensive cleanup.
Today, mercury thermometers have largely been phased out in favor of digital and alcohol-based alternatives. Many states and countries have outright banned their sale due to the environmental and health hazards of mercury exposure.
6. High-Phosphate Laundry Detergents
Laundry detergents used to rely heavily on phosphates to improve cleaning power. While they worked well, phosphates wreak havoc on waterways, leading to algae blooms and aquatic life die-offs.
Environmental concerns led to regulations in the 1970s and 80s that banned or limited phosphate use in household cleaning products. While industrial-grade products still use some phosphates, consumer laundry detergents are now almost entirely phosphate-free.
7. Radium-Laced Health Products
In the early 20th century, radium was marketed as a “miracle” element. Companies sold radium-laced water, health tonics, and even beauty creams, claiming they boosted energy and vitality. It wasn’t until the 1920s and 30s, after the tragic cases of the “Radium Girls” who developed fatal illnesses from exposure, that the deadly effects of radium became undeniable.
Today, radium is strictly regulated and no longer appears in consumer products. It remains one of the most infamous examples of dangerous pseudoscience marketed to the public.
8. Dangerous Children’s Toys
Many toys that were once considered normal are now illegal due to serious safety hazards. A classic example is the “Clackers” toy—two acrylic balls on a string that could shatter and send sharp shards flying. Other banned toys include those with lead paint, small detachable parts, or dangerously strong magnets (such as early versions of Buckyballs).
The CPSC now enforces strict safety regulations on all children’s toys, making these older, hazardous designs a thing of the past.
9. Certain Types of Fireworks
While fireworks are still legal in many states, several types that were once common are now banned due to their potential for severe injury. Firecrackers with high explosive power, M-80s, cherry bombs, and “silver salutes” are prohibited in the U.S.
These devices were linked to numerous accidents, including amputations and fires. Today, consumer fireworks are limited to lower-explosive, regulated products, and illegal fireworks carry hefty penalties for sale and possession.
10. DDT and Other Harmful Pesticides
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) was once hailed as a revolutionary pesticide, widely used to combat mosquitoes and protect crops. However, its toxic effects on both wildlife and humans became evident, leading to its U.S. ban in 1972 after Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book Silent Spring raised public awareness.
While DDT is one of the most famous banned chemicals, other harmful pesticides have followed suit, including chlordane and aldrin. Today, pesticide regulations are stricter than ever, though debates continue over the safety of newer chemicals.
Why These Products Were Banned
The banning of these products often came after years or decades of damage had already been done. What they all have in common is that they were marketed without full knowledge (or disclosure) of their risks. Only after extensive studies, public outcry, and in many cases, tragic incidents, did regulators step in to protect consumers.
The evolution of consumer safety is a reminder that just because something is on the market doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many of these products were once considered cutting-edge, but hindsight revealed their devastating consequences.
The Hidden Lessons in These Bans
Looking back at these products highlights some critical lessons for today’s consumers:
- New doesn’t always mean safe: Innovative products can have unforeseen risks.
- Regulation often comes too late: Many harmful items are only banned after serious harm occurs.
- Research matters: Consumers must be proactive in researching what they use.
- Environmental awareness is key: Products that harm nature often come back to harm humans, too.
Could Today’s Products Face the Same Fate?
While it’s easy to think we’ve learned our lesson, some modern products could face bans in the future. For example, the long-term impact of microplastics, certain chemicals in cosmetics, or controversial artificial intelligence toys might prompt new regulations.
History shows that as technology advances, so does our understanding of risk. What we consider normal today might be the asbestos or lead paint of tomorrow.
Are We Still Buying Dangerous Products?
The 10 products above serve as reminders of how consumer awareness, science, and regulation evolve over time. While many dangerous products have been removed from shelves, we still need to remain vigilant about what we bring into our homes.
Are there products on the market today that you suspect will be banned in the future?
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Riley Schnepf is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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