Ah, the ’80s and ’90s—a golden era of neon colors, Saturday morning cartoons, and toys that probably should have come with a waiver. If you grew up during this time, chances are you played with some wildly fun (and slightly hazardous) toys that would send today’s safety regulators into a frenzy. From fiery explosions to questionable choking hazards, let’s take a nostalgic look at some of the most iconic yet eyebrow-raising toys from back in the day!
1980s Dangerous Toys
Did you play with any of these toys? Did you suffer any injuries?
Slip ‘N Slide
– Description: A long, plastic sheet that kids would slide down after wetting it with a hose.
– Dangers: The Slip ‘N Slide caused numerous injuries, particularly spinal injuries, when used by teens and adults. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommended that only children use it, but even they were not immune to injuries.
Slap Bracelets
– Description: Metal strips covered in fabric that would curl around the wrist when slapped.
– Dangers: The metal inside could break through the fabric, causing cuts and bruises. Some schools banned them due to these injuries.
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
– Description: Heavy, pointed darts meant to be thrown at a target on the ground.
– Dangers: Lawn darts caused serious injuries and fatalities, leading to their ban in 1988. They were responsible for over 6,100 injuries and at least four deaths over an eight-year period.
Metal Playgrounds
– Description: Playground equipment made of metal, including slides and jungle gyms.
– Dangers: These structures could become extremely hot in the sun, causing burns, and had sharp edges that could lead to cuts and puncture wounds.
Pogo Bal
– Description: A ball with a platform around it that kids would stand on and bounce.
– Dangers: The lack of control often led to falls and injuries, including broken bones and sprains.
1990s Dangerous Toys
The 90s didn’t see a huge increase in toy safety!
Sky Dancers
– Description: Dolls with wings that would fly into the air when a cord was pulled.
– Dangers: The unpredictable flight paths led to numerous injuries, including facial cuts, broken teeth, and even concussions. They were eventually recalled.
Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids
– Description: Dolls that “ate” plastic food using battery-powered mechanical jaws.
– Dangers: The dolls also chewed on children’s hair and fingers, leading to injuries. They were recalled in 1997, but you can still find them.
Moon Shoes
– Description: Mini trampolines strapped to the feet.
– Dangers: These shoes often led to falls, resulting in sprained ankles and other injuries.
Creepy Crawlers
– Description: A toy that allowed kids to create plastic bugs using a hot plate.
– Dangers: The hot plate could cause burns, and the fumes from melting plastic were toxic[.
Yo-Yo Water Balls
– Description: Stretchy, liquid-filled balls attached to a string.
– Dangers: They were said to be made from flammable diesel hydrocarbons (although that was found not to be true), these toys posed a strangulation risk and were banned in several states and countries.
The Takeaway
While these toys brought joy and excitement to many children in the 1980s and 1990s, they also posed significant safety risks. Advances in toy safety regulations and standards have since made playtime safer for children, ensuring that fun does not come at the expense of safety.
10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
Hold onto your taste buds, because we’re about to embark on a flavor-filled adventure through the realm of beverages! Sure, we all need water to survive, but let’s be real – drinks are so much more than just basic hydration. Recently, the question of which beverages people secretly think taste awful sparked a fiery debate. Boozy elixirs, non-alcoholic refreshments, and everything in between were thrown into the mix. Brace yourself as we unveil the truth behind the drinks we pretend to love. Get ready for a wild ride of taste revelations! Read 10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
