18 Childhood Toys from the ’80s That Are Now Considered Dangerous
The ’80s were full of iconic toys that sparked joy and imagination in children across the United States. However, as safety standards evolved, some of these once-beloved toys are now deemed hazardous. Here are 18 childhood toys from the ’80s that have fallen out of favor due to safety concerns.
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Lawn Darts
Once a staple of backyard fun, Lawn darts featured sharp metal tips that posed severe injury risks. Despite their popularity, numerous accidents led to their ban in the late ’80s. The combination of their weight and pointed ends made them particularly hazardous, mainly when used by children. The potential for these darts to cause severe injuries, including puncture wounds and eye damage, prompted legislators to take action to protect public safety.
Clackers
Clackers, also known as “click clacks” or “knockers,” were acrylic balls on strings meant to be swung to create a clacking noise. However, their hard material and fast-moving parts posed significant risks of injury, particularly to the eyes. Reports of children suffering eye injuries and accidents involving clackers led to their removal from store shelves.
Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers were flying dolls launched into the air by pulling a string, promising whimsical aerial displays. However, their flight paths were often unpredictable, leading to collisions and injuries. Their spinning motion and erratic trajectories posed risks of eye injuries and choking hazards. Reports of children being struck by the spinning dolls or inhaling small parts prompted safety concerns.
Slip ‘N Slide
The Slip ‘N Slide, a beloved summer staple, allows children to glide across slick surfaces easily. However, the original design features a hard landing surface that poses risks of neck and spinal injuries. The combination of high speeds and abrupt stops on the unforgiving material led to numerous accidents.
Cabbage Patch Kids with Yarn Hair
Early iterations of Cabbage Patch Kids featured yarn hair that posed risks of unraveling and choking hazards. While these dolls were cherished companions for many children, the potential for yarn strands to fray and become ingested prompted safety concerns. Manufacturers later transitioned to safer materials to mitigate the risk of choking and ensure the dolls’ safety.
Water Wigglies
Water Wigglies, colorful tubes filled with liquid, were marketed as playful companions for children. However, their construction made them prone to breakage, leading to leaks and potentially ingesting hazardous materials. The risk of exposure to toxic substances prompted safety advocates to call for their removal from the market.
Pogo Balls
Pogo Balls, a hybrid of a ball and a platform, offer children a bouncy, exhilarating experience. However, their design posed risks of falls and injuries, particularly for inexperienced users. Balancing on the platform and maintaining stability while bouncing led to numerous accidents. As a result, Pogo Balls were phased out of production.
Creepy Crawlers Oven
The Creepy Crawlers Oven allowed children to create rubbery insects by pouring liquid plastic into molds and baking them. However, the hot oven and molten plastic posed risks of burns and skin injuries. Reports of children being scalded or exposed to hazardous fumes prompted safety concerns among parents and regulators.
Baby Alive
Early versions of Baby Alive dolls featured mechanisms that allowed them to “eat” and “drink,” promising interactive play experiences. However, the mechanisms often malfunctioned, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. The combination of moisture and organic material lets bacteria and mold grow, posing risks to children’s health.
Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven, a beloved toy for aspiring chefs, allowed children to bake miniature treats with a light bulb. However, early versions featured heating elements that could cause burns if touched accidentally. Reports of children suffering burns and injuries prompted safety improvements and design changes.
Jarts
Jarts, oversized, weighted darts meant for outdoor play, offered children a thrilling target game experience. However, their sharp metal tips and potential for injury led to their ban in the United States. Reports of children suffering puncture wounds and eye injuries prompted safety advocates to push for legislative action. Despite their popularity, the inherent risks associated with Jarts outweighed their recreational benefits, leading to their removal from the market.
Aqua Dots
The colorful craft beads are meant to be fused with water to create designs that harbor a hidden danger. They were found to contain a toxic substance that metabolized into a date rape drug when ingested. Reports of children falling ill after ingesting the beads prompted a massive recall and heightened scrutiny of toy safety standards.
Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll
The Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll boasted a motorized mouth that allowed it to “eat” plastic snacks. However, its mighty jaws often mistook children’s fingers for food, leading to injuries and safety concerns. Manufacturers faced backlash for prioritizing novelty over safety, and despite its popularity, the Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll’s safety hazards served as a wake-up call for the toy industry.
He-Man and She-Ra Sword Toys
He-Man and She-Ra sword toys were coveted accessories for fans of the Masters of the Universe franchise. However, their construction from plastic made them prone to breakage, leading to sharp edges. Reports of children suffering cuts and injuries prompted calls for safer alternatives.
Rollerblade Barbie
Rollerblade Barbie was a fashionable addition to many ’80s toy collections, offering hours of skating fun. However, the wheels on her skates tended to detach, causing a choking hazard for young children.
Snapping Crocodile Toy
The snapping crocodile toy was a novelty item featuring a spring-loaded mouth that could snap shut unexpectedly. While entertaining, the toy posed a risk of pinched fingers and injuries, particularly for young children. Manufacturers eventually discontinued the toy, recognizing the potential for accidents and injuries.
Metal Slinkys
While the classic Slinky toy continues to captivate children’s imaginations, early versions made from metal posed safety risks. Over time, metal Slinkys could rust and develop sharp edges, leading to cuts and injuries. Manufacturers later transitioned to safer materials, such as plastic, to mitigate the risks of rust and sharp edges.
Cap Guns
Cap guns, which used small explosive caps to create a loud bang, were popular among ’80s kids for their simulated gunfire sounds. However, if not handled properly, they pose risks of burns and eye injuries. Manufacturers responded by implementing safety features such as trigger guards and warning labels to mitigate the risks associated with the toys.
