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- Dangerous Toys of the ’70s That Would Never Get Approved Today (blog.cheapism.com)
10 Toys From the ’70s That Would Terrify Modern Parents
Anyone who’s ever stepped barefoot on a LEGO brick knows that some toys seem designed to inflict pain. But modern toys have nothing on some of the lethal playthings kids enjoyed in the 1970s. Here are ten examples of toys that wouldn’t make it past a modern safety inspection:
Clackers: These two acrylic balls on strings, swung together to produce a satisfying clack, were all fun and games until they shattered, sending plastic shards flying. After causing numerous injuries, these “dangerous maracas” were discontinued by 1976.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic: This colorful goo, introduced in 1970, let kids blow big plastic bubbles. Unfortunately, it also released toxic fumes, caused burns, and was highly flammable. It wasn’t long before this hazardous substance was pulled from shelves.
Lawn Darts (Jarts): These oversized metal darts with pointed tips turned backyards into danger zones. Over 6,000 emergency room visits and several deaths later, they were finally banned in 1988.
Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher: Mattel’s toy spaceship fired small plastic missiles –– small enough to be a choking hazard. After several close calls, the toy was redesigned with larger, safer missiles.
Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker: This toy oven, popular in the early ’70s, let kids bake colorful plastic bugs at 390°F. Unsurprisingly, third-degree burns were a common side effect, leading Mattel to discontinue the oven version.
Johnny Reb Cannon: This toy cannon fired plastic balls with surprising accuracy –– and painful impact. While not officially recalled, it faded from popularity as parents realized the potential for injury.
Water Wiggle: Wham-O’s Water Wiggle was a seven-foot plastic snake that attached to a garden hose. When the head detached, it revealed a high-pressure nozzle that could cause serious harm. After two tragic drownings, millions of units were recalled.
Dip-a-Flower: This seemingly harmless craft kit involved dipping wire shapes into colored resin. Unfortunately, the resin emitted noxious fumes, posing a health risk to children.
Disc-o-Punch: This plastic gun fired small frisbees at high speed, potentially causing welts and chipped teeth. While not as dangerous as some other toys on this list, it was still a recipe for disaster.
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