You probably use a lot of products every day without thinking twice about their safety or history. But some of the things people once trusted and relied on would not pass today’s standards. Over time, laws and regulations have changed how manufacturers make everyday items to keep you safe and protect the environment.
This means some products that were once common and popular are now banned or heavily restricted. Looking back, it’s interesting to see how many familiar things you might find surprising if they suddenly disappeared from your local store shelves.
Lead-based paint
You might not realize it, but lead-based paint was common in homes for decades. It was popular because it was durable and colorful.
The problem is, lead is toxic, especially for kids. Even tiny amounts of lead dust can cause serious health issues and affect development.
The U.S. banned lead paint for residential use in 1978, but many older homes still have it. If you live in one, it’s important to be careful during renovations or repairs.
Asbestos insulation
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it has asbestos insulation somewhere. It was popular because it was cheap and great at keeping heat in.
You probably didn’t worry about it back then, but now we know asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues if inhaled. Today, it’s banned in most uses, but older insulation might still be around your place.
If you think you have asbestos insulation, it’s best not to touch or disturb it. Professionals can safely remove or seal it to keep your home safe.
Mercury thermometers
You probably remember mercury thermometers from when you were younger. They were super common for checking body temperature, but things have changed since then.
Mercury is toxic, and if a thermometer breaks, the mercury inside can be dangerous to handle. Because of this, many places have banned or restricted their use.
Now, digital thermometers are the go-to choice for safety and accuracy. If you still have a mercury thermometer, it’s best to replace it and make sure to dispose of the old one properly.
Chlordane pesticide
Chlordane was once a common pesticide used on crops, lawns, and even inside homes. You might be surprised to learn it was applied around 30 million homes to control termites.
The EPA banned most uses of chlordane in 1983 because of health concerns, especially its link to cancer and environmental harm. By 1988, all uses were banned in the US.
If your house was treated with chlordane before 1988, there’s a chance some residues could still be around. Today, the risks from exposure are better understood, and safer alternatives are used instead.
DDT insecticide
You probably haven’t used DDT yourself, but it was everywhere back in the day. It was developed in the 1940s and helped fight diseases like malaria by killing mosquitoes.
But by the 1970s, people found out DDT sticks around in the environment and can harm animals and even humans. That led to it being banned for most uses, though some countries still use it indoors to fight malaria.
Today, safer alternatives exist, so you won’t see DDT in your home or garden anymore. It’s a good example of how products once common can later be seen as too risky.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in furniture
You’ve probably sat on furniture treated with PBDEs without even knowing it. These chemicals were added to foam in sofas and mattresses to slow down fires.
PBDEs helped make your furniture safer, but they stick around for a long time and can build up in dust inside your home. That’s why many products made today don’t use them anymore.
If your furniture was made before 2013, there’s a good chance it contains these flame retardants. Over time, they can slowly escape into the air and dust you breathe.