There’s no doubt that the 1970s were a time of freedom and carefree fun. But they were also packed with things that would never be allowed today. Safety wasn’t exactly a top priority; kids played with shattering toys, inhaled toxic fumes, and rode in cars without seat belts. Many everyday items from that decade have since been banned or heavily restricted due to serious safety concerns. Even something as simple as a backyard game could turn deadly.
At the time, no one thought twice about it. But as the years passed, injuries mounted, and regulators finally stepped in. Let’s take a look at a few things from the ‘70s that simply wouldn’t fly today.
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
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Lawn darts involved throwing sharp, metal-tipped darts into the air! No, we’re not even kidding. It caused thousands of injuries and even a few fatalities before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned it in 1988. Today, only modified, safer versions are allowed for sale.
Clackers
Credit: Youtube
Kids in the ‘70s loved Clackers. This toy had two heavy acrylic balls attached to a string that clashed together with a satisfying “clack.” But the fun didn’t last long. The balls had a habit of shattering mid-swing, which sent sharp plastic shards flying. Clackers were pulled from shelves in the early 1970s for safety reasons after numerous injuries were reported.
Drop-Side Cribs
Credit: Reddit
Drop-side cribs seemed like a brilliant idea. As the name suggests, one side of the crib slid down to make it easier for parents to lift babies in and out. Unfortunately, the design created gaps where infants could get trapped and suffocate. After multiple recalls and reported infant deaths, the U.S. banned these cribs in 2011.
Lead-Based Paint
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Back in the ‘70s, lead-based paint covered walls, furniture, and even children’s toys, despite the fact that lead is highly toxic, especially for kids. Exposure can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and serious health problems. The U.S. banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978, though older homes may still contain it.
Freon in Refrigerators
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For decades, refrigerators and air conditioners relied on Freon, a type of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). It worked great until scientists discovered it was destroying the ozone layer. The U.S. began phasing out Freon in the 1980s, with a full ban on new production taking effect in 2020.
Easy-Bake Oven (First Edition)
Credit: Reddit
The original Easy-Bake Oven used a real incandescent light bulb to bake mini cakes. But that light bulb got hot—very hot. Kids suffered serious burns from touching the oven’s surface or reaching inside. Eventually, the design was changed to use a safer heating element.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
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This toy let kids blow colorful plastic bubbles using a chemical goo and a straw. While it sounds harmless, the fumes contained acetone and ethyl acetate, which could cause dizziness, nausea, and long-term health issues. Safety concerns led to its disappearance from store shelves.
Hyper-Realistic Toy Guns
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Toy guns in the ‘70s looked exactly like real firearms and had no resemblance to toys, which were more brightly colored with orange tips. Tragically, this led to multiple cases of law enforcement mistaking toy guns for real weapons. In the 1980s, new laws required toy guns to be visibly different to prevent deadly misunderstandings.
Chloroform as an Anesthetic
Credit: flickr
Can you believe chloroform was once used in surgeries? Thankfully, it was phased out because of serious safety concerns. It could cause fatal heart irregularities and have unpredictable effects on the body. By the 1970s, safer alternatives had replaced it, and today, chloroform is heavily restricted due to its toxicity.
Optional Seat Belts in Cars
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Optional seat belts in cars made every ride a risky one. Many people simply didn’t use them because they felt uncomfortable. That changed in 1984 when the first seat belt laws took effect. Now, wearing a seat belt is the law in all states and saves thousands of lives every year.
Cigarette Ads on TV and Radio
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In the ‘70s, cigarette commercials were everywhere and even featured celebrity endorsements. Additionally, it had catchy jingles alongside misleading claims. But as evidence linking smoking to cancer grew, the U.S. banned cigarette ads on TV and radio in 1971. Further restrictions followed, including warnings on packaging and bans on billboard ads.
Phthalates in Children's Toys
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Phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic flexible, were found in everything from teething rings to baby bottles. However, studies showed they could disrupt hormones and cause developmental issues in children. The U.S. banned several types of phthalates in 2008 to protect children from exposure.
Dieldrin
Credit: pixabay
Dieldrin was a widely used pesticide in the 1950s through the ‘70s. It was sprayed on crops and even inside homes to kill termites. But it turned out to be highly toxic to humans, animals, and the environment. Studies have linked it to cancer and neurological damage. The U.S. banned most uses in 1974 and fully banned it in 1987.
Metal Playgrounds
Credit: Reddit
Playgrounds in the ‘70s were mostly made of metal—from slides to monkey bars. While metal was durable, it had major safety flaws. Metal surfaces became dangerously hot in summer and increased the risk of burns. Many were also built over concrete or asphalt, which made falls far more dangerous.
Open Burning of Trash
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Back in the ‘70s, people burned household trash in their yards without a second thought. They didn’t even realize all the toxic fumes and harmful pollutants that were released in the air. As environmental awareness grew, most states introduced bans or strict regulations on open burning to reduce health risks and air pollution.
