1. Leaded Gasoline
Leaded gasoline was still in use in the early ’80s, despite mounting evidence of its dangers. It released toxic lead into the air, which could impair brain development, especially in children. It was particularly harmful in urban areas with lots of traffic and poor air circulation. The phase-out didn’t fully complete in the U.S. until 1996.
Back then, people didn’t fully grasp the connection between leaded fuel and public health. Cars just ran “better” on it—or so it seemed. In retrospect, we were polluting our air for slightly smoother engine performance. Thankfully, that era has ended.
2. Asbestos Ironing Board Pads
In the ’80s, asbestos was still quietly lurking in household products, including ironing board covers. It was valued for its heat-resistant properties, making it seem perfect for withstanding the heat of a clothes iron. What no one fully grasped was that those fibers could become airborne and lodge in your lungs. That led to long-term illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
These products weren’t just outdated—they were dangerous time bombs sitting in laundry rooms. As asbestos awareness grew, these items disappeared from shelves and homes. But they were disturbingly normal in the ’80s. Now, they’re textbook examples of why regulation matters.
3. Cigarette Lighters in Cars
Remember the push-in cigarette lighters that came standard in every vehicle? They heated up to over 500°F and popped out like mini branding irons. If you weren’t lighting a cigarette, you probably played with it out of boredom. That red-hot coil just begged to be touched—burns were inevitable.
In a modern context, giving everyone in the car access to an exposed heating element seems ridiculous. Automakers eventually phased them out, replacing them with 12V power outlets. Now those same ports charge phones instead of lighting smokes. It’s a safer and more sensible upgrade for today’s drivers.
4. Mercury Thermometers
Every family medicine cabinet had one of these slick-looking glass thermometers. They worked well—unless they broke, releasing tiny silver balls of mercury across the floor. Back then, cleanup was often just wiping it up with a tissue or, worse, a vacuum. No one realized they were potentially exposing themselves to toxic vapors.
Mercury is now known to be hazardous, especially to the nervous system. If spilled, it requires special cleanup procedures and often government reporting. Today, digital thermometers are the norm for a reason. But for decades, we put poisonous metal under our tongues to check for fevers.
5. Tanning Beds for Home Use
In the ’80s, bronzed skin was in, and the convenience of tanning beds at home seemed like a dream. These compact sun chambers promised a “healthy glow” right in your basement. What they didn’t advertise was the increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. UV radiation doesn’t get less dangerous just because it’s artificial.
Nowadays, home tanning beds are considered not only outdated but extremely risky. The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as carcinogenic, on par with tobacco. But in the ’80s, they were marketed as glamorous and even good for your complexion. In hindsight, it was like bringing a radiation machine home for aesthetics.
6. Popcorn Cans on the Stove
Before microwave popcorn was widespread, many homes used stovetop popcorn kits that came in a metal can with a crank handle. You’d sit there turning it while it cooked over a gas flame. The process was slow, and the cans got scorching hot—plenty of burns resulted. Also, some early versions had questionable coatings that could flake into your food.
These days, we expect safer, simpler snack prep. Microwave popcorn might have its own problems (hello, diacetyl), but at least it doesn’t involve a mini fire hazard. It’s strange to think of literally cranking a tin can on a flame as a family activity. Yet that was totally normal in the ’80s kitchen.
7. Metal Playground Equipment
Public playgrounds in the ’80s were basically injury obstacle courses. Most were built with unforgiving steel, which turned into burning-hot surfaces during summer. Slides, monkey bars, and merry-go-rounds were all anchored into concrete or gravel—not exactly kid-friendly. Cuts, bruises, and even broken bones were par for the course.
Modern playgrounds use plastic, rubber flooring, and shock-absorbing designs. The older setups look borderline medieval by comparison. It’s no wonder they’ve been phased out in favor of safer alternatives. But in their time, they were just another day at the park.
8. Hair Crimpers
Crimped hair was a full-on fashion trend, and crimping irons were in every teen’s bathroom drawer. These tools clamped hair into zig-zag patterns using intense heat. But they often lacked temperature control and could easily fry your hair. People ended up with split ends and damage galore in the pursuit of that perfect ‘do.
Today’s hair tools are far more advanced, with ceramic plates, ionic technology, and heat protection. The original crimpers were basically hot metal teeth clamping your hair into submission. They’re now mostly relegated to retro costume parties. At the time, though, they were peak cool.
9. Radon Fans in Basements (Without Monitoring)
Radon gas wasn’t well understood in the early ’80s, but some homes tried to address it with ventilation fans. The problem? They were often installed without any actual radon testing. People hoped the fans were working, but had no way of knowing if they were helping or making things worse.
Now we know radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., especially in homes with poor ventilation. Professional testing and mitigation systems are the standard now. But back then, these DIY fans were a shot in the dark. It was well-meaning, but dangerously unscientific.
10. TV Trays With Sharp Edges
TV trays were a staple of casual family dinners in front of the tube. But many ’80s versions were made of thin metal with sharp corners. One wrong move and you’d end up with a gash or a bruise. They were also flimsy and had a tendency to collapse at inopportune moments.
These days, modern designs prioritize rounded edges, stability, and safety locks. But at the time, convenience trumped safety, and design was often an afterthought. It’s wild to think we handed these mini guillotines to kids. Now they’re more nostalgia than necessity.
11. Refrigerator Magnets With Tiny Loose Parts
Refrigerator magnets used to come with all sorts of little decorative attachments—plastic fruit, googly eyes, tiny utensils. They were cute, but also choking hazards waiting to happen. If one broke, a toddler could easily find a piece and pop it in their mouth. Safety regulations around small parts weren’t as strict back then.
Today’s fridge magnets are far more streamlined and child-safe. Many older ones wouldn’t pass current product testing standards. They’ve become relics from a time before childproofing became a cultural norm. Still, they’re a reminder of how casual safety used to be.
12. Electric Blankets Without Auto Shutoff
Electric blankets in the ’80s were cozy but came with real risks. Many lacked auto shutoff features or consistent heat regulation. People would fall asleep and wake up sweating—or worse, with minor burns. Some models even sparked fires due to frayed wires or overheating.
Today’s versions have sensors, timers, and safety certifications. But older models were a gamble, especially after years of use. Yet they were a winter staple in households across the country. It’s no surprise most of them have since been retired.
13. Lawn Darts
Back in the ’80s, lawn darts (or “Jarts”) were the pinnacle of backyard entertainment. Families would casually toss these heavy, metal-tipped missiles across the yard without a second thought. They were basically spears you threw near children—what could go wrong? Turns out, quite a lot, which is why they were banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1988.
The ban came after dozens of serious injuries and even a few fatalities. But during their heyday, they were sold in toy aisles, right next to harmless board games. It’s wild to think something that dangerous was ever considered family fun. These days, they’ve become a cautionary tale in toy safety.
14. Baby Walkers With Wheels
Wheeled baby walkers were wildly popular in the ’80s, meant to help infants learn to walk faster. What they really did was allow babies to move fast—straight into stairs, furniture, and sharp corners. Injuries were common, and some were severe. Pediatricians have since spoken out strongly against them.
Today, most experts recommend stationary activity centers instead. Canada banned wheeled walkers entirely back in 2004. Yet they were once a registry favorite and passed around like hand-me-down toys. We now know that safety and development don’t always go hand-in-hand.
This post 14 Outdated Products That Made Sense in the ’80s and Now Just Feel Like Hazard was first published on American Charm.
