20 Once-Popular Products Illinoisans Used Without Knowing How Dangerous They Were

In Illinois and across the country, plenty of everyday products were once sold without question… until the truth came out.

Some were banned for safety reasons. Others had darker histories that most people have forgotten.

Let’s take a look at the once-common items that were pulled from shelves for reasons that still raise eyebrows.

Asbestos-Containing Fake Snow Used in Holiday Displays

For years, artificial snow used in decorations and store displays was made from asbestos. It looked soft and fluffy, but the material was anything but safe.

People sprayed it on trees, window sills, and even costumes, unaware they were spreading toxic fibers into the air.

Inhaling asbestos can lead to lung disease and cancer, and the risks increase with repeated exposure.

Eventually, safer alternatives replaced it, but not before it was used in homes and even Hollywood films.

Lawn Darts That Caused Fatal Injuries

Lawn darts, also called Jarts, were once a popular backyard game. But these heavy, sharp-tipped darts were anything but safe.

They were thrown across the yard toward plastic rings, but if a child or adult got in the way, the results could be deadly.

By the 1980s, enough injuries and at least a few tragic deaths led to public outcry. The product was eventually banned for home use.

Today, most people remember them as a cautionary tale of how quickly fun can turn dangerous.

Radium Beauty Products Sold as Skin Enhancers

In the early 20th century, companies promoted radium as a miracle ingredient for glowing skin. It appeared in creams, powders, and even toothpaste.

No one realized how dangerous it was to apply radioactive material to your face or brush your teeth with it.

Many users became sick over time, and some developed cancers directly linked to exposure.

Once the health risks became undeniable, these products vanished, but not before doing real harm.

Thalidomide Given to Pregnant Women

Thalidomide was introduced in the 1950s as a treatment for morning sickness. At first, it seemed like a helpful option for expecting mothers.

But doctors didn’t yet understand its effects on fetal development. The drug caused thousands of severe birth defects before it was pulled from the market.

The tragedy sparked stricter drug approval processes around the world.

Though thalidomide is still used for some conditions today, its use during pregnancy remains banned.

Lead-Based Toys and Paint for Children

For years, children’s toys and household paints were made with lead. The bright colors looked appealing, but the danger was hiding in plain sight.

Kids often put toys in their mouths or touched painted surfaces, unknowingly ingesting toxic material.

Lead exposure can cause serious developmental issues, especially in young children.

Once the risks became widely known, regulations were put in place and lead was banned from consumer products like toys and paint.

Cocaine-Infused Patent Medicines

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many over-the-counter remedies contained cocaine. It was marketed as a cure for headaches, toothaches, and even low energy.

These products were sold to families without prescription, and people had no idea what they were actually consuming.

Addiction and health issues eventually raised concern, and stricter drug laws were introduced.

Today, it’s hard to believe products like these were ever sold openly in pharmacies.

“Weight Loss” Candy Laced With Dangerous Chemicals

Ayds was a diet candy that gained popularity in the 1970s. It promised appetite suppression in a sweet, chewable form.

What people didn’t know was that it contained benzocaine, a chemical that can numb the mouth and suppress hunger but may also cause health issues.

Later, the product’s name unfortunately became associated with the AIDS epidemic, which caused public backlash and confusion.

Between safety concerns and marketing fallout, the candy faded from shelves for good.

DDT-Based Pesticides Sprayed in Homes

DDT was once seen as a miracle pesticide. It was sprayed indoors, outdoors, and even directly on people to kill insects.

No one questioned its safety, and it became a household staple after World War II.

Years later, scientists discovered DDT lingered in the environment and built up in the food chain, harming wildlife and potentially human health.

It was banned in the United States in the 1970s, though traces are still found in some ecosystems today.

Mercury-Filled Thermometers and Toys

For decades, mercury wasn’t seen as dangerous and was used in everyday household products. Thermometers, toys, and even some science kits contained it.

Kids were fascinated by the shiny liquid metal, often shaking thermometers or breaking them to play with it.

Exposure to mercury, however, can cause serious neurological damage and other health problems.

These products were eventually banned or redesigned with safer materials once the risks became clear.

Smoking Candy for Kids

Candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigars were marketed to children as harmless fun, but their purpose was questionable.

These treats mimicked the look and feel of smoking, normalizing the habit for kids.

Parents and health experts raised concerns about how they encouraged tobacco use from an early age.

Over time, regulations and shifting attitudes toward smoking pushed these products out of most stores.

Toys With Real Glass Parts

Some vintage toys, like early chemistry kits or doll accessories, contained glass components that could easily break.

Kids often got cuts or injuries while playing with these poorly designed products.

While they seemed advanced or realistic, the hazards outweighed any educational value.

By the late 20th century, manufacturers replaced glass with plastic for safety reasons.

Tapeworm Diet Pills

Perhaps one of the most shocking “weight loss” products ever, tapeworm pills promised to help people slim down by introducing parasites into their bodies.

The idea was that the tapeworm would absorb calories from food. What users got instead were severe health problems and dangerous infections.

These products were marketed quietly for years before medical experts stepped in.

They were banned as public awareness of their risks spread.

Erector Sets That Came With Real Tools and Blades

Early versions of Erector Sets were marketed as educational building kits for kids, complete with tiny metal pieces and real tools.

Some kits even included miniature saw blades or small motors with exposed wires. Children were encouraged to build freely, often with little supervision.

Injuries from sharp parts or electrical shocks weren’t uncommon.

Eventually, safety standards tightened, and the more dangerous components were removed or replaced with plastic.

Hair Dyes Containing Coal Tar

Coal tar-based hair dyes were once common and widely used at home and in salons. These products delivered strong, lasting color but came with hidden risks.

Coal tar contains chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and has been linked to cancer in some studies.

Regulators eventually stepped in, banning certain formulas and requiring warnings on others.

Modern hair dyes are now tested more thoroughly, but those early versions left a concerning legacy.

Children’s Pajamas Treated With Toxic Flame Retardants

In the 1970s, many children’s sleepwear items were treated with flame retardants to reduce fire risks. One of the chemicals used was Tris, a substance later found to be harmful.

While the intention was safety, Tris was linked to health problems including cancer and hormone disruption.

Parents weren’t told how toxic the treatment could be, and kids wore the clothing every night.

Once the dangers were confirmed, regulations banned its use in children’s clothing.

Portable Hair Dryers That Could Shock Users

Vintage hair dryers from the 1950s and 60s didn’t always meet modern safety standards. Some lacked proper insulation, grounding, or automatic shutoff features.

If water got too close or wiring failed, users could be electrocuted.

These accidents happened often enough to raise serious concern.

Updated electrical standards eventually forced manufacturers to redesign them with safety in mind.

Baby Teething Powders That Contained Opium

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, teething powders and syrups often included opium or morphine to soothe fussy babies.

Products like “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup” were advertised as safe and effective, even though they carried high risks of overdose.

Parents had no idea they were giving their infants a powerful narcotic.

Once the dangers became known, these remedies were banned and strict labeling laws followed.

Toothpaste That Contained Radioactive Ingredients

During the early 1900s, several brands of toothpaste claimed to be “energizing” by including ingredients like thorium or radium.

The glowing effect seemed impressive at the time, and few questioned the safety of these novelty products.

Over time, users reported sores, gum damage, and other health issues tied to radiation exposure.

The practice was banned once the long-term health consequences became undeniable.

Shoe Fitting Machines That Used X-Rays

For decades, shoe stores used fluoroscopes—machines that allowed customers to see their feet inside shoes using real-time X-rays.

They were marketed as a fun and accurate way to check shoe fit. Kids loved using them during shopping trips.

What customers didn’t know was that repeated exposure to unshielded radiation carried major health risks.

Once the machines were linked to burns and potential long-term harm, they were phased out and banned.

Insecticides That Were Sprayed on Food Crops

Some insecticides used on food crops in the mid-20th century contained highly toxic ingredients like chlordane and aldrin.

They were effective at killing pests, but they also contaminated soil, water, and the food itself.