MANY Americans could be unaware that they could have some common household items banned by stores.
While some may not be illegal for consumers to use, they could potentially be harmful if the bans were issued over safety concerns.
Other considerations, like environmental or health impact could also contribute to the government not permitting the products’ continued sale at retailers, per Good Housekeeping.
The problem is, not every shopper is always reading up on the latest product restrictions nationwide.
It’s more than likely that many homeowners have a now-banned item at stores around their home, hidden in plain sight.
At least 10 are commonly missed and are best to look for sooner rather than later to avoid potential issues.
CORDED WINDOW COVERINGS
Any homes completed before 2022 will likely still have corded window coverings with blinds.
The longer cords that hang down were banned by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The CSPC made the effort to reduce the risk of strangulation for small children.
Having them replaced by a professional would be best, as trimming them or removing them on your own would damage the blinds.
LEAD-BASED PAINT
Having lead-based paint around the house is more unlikely than the corded window coverings.
While there may not be cans lying around from before the federal government banned the sale and use of lead-based paint in 1978, some older homes still have it on their walls.
Exposure can lead to serious health issues.
Even layers of lead paint covered over newer paint on exterior services could be a problem.
MERCURY THERMOMETERS
Older fever thermometers in a drawer or cabinet at home could potentially contain mercury.
Using mercury in products has been phased out nationwide and the sale of mercury thermometers has been banned in several states.
Mercury itself is a “toxic, environmentally-persistent substance,” as noted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Exposure to too much mercury could lead to mercury poisoning.
SELECT SPACE HEATERS
There isn’t a comprehensive ban on natural gas or unvented heaters.
Except, some cities and states like California do restrict them, as they could be dangerous.
Space heaters that are unvented have been linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, per the New York Department of health.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potentially life-threatening emergency and should be taken very seriously.
CRIB BUMPERS
Crib bumpers are effectively any material used to pad the sides of a crib with the intention of making it soft or cozy for the child.
While the idea is well-meaning, it could be dangerous.
The CPSC banned the sale of them in September 2023 after they were linked to nearly 200 infant deaths.
This move came after the Safe Sleep for Babies Act in 2022.
R-22 AC UNITS
It’s possible that any air conditioning units installed pre-2020 still have the R-22 refigerant.
It was banned for continued sale not because of potential health issues, but for the significant damages it has on the Earth’s ozone layer.
While consumers can still use their existing units, the EPA advises they upgrade.
New models don’t have the refrigerant and are more efficient, offering savings on energy bills.
INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS
Many consumers may not know that incandescent light bulb sales were banned in August 2023.
This is because they are extremely inefficient when it comes to energy usage.
It’s not illegal or dangerous to keep using them if you bought them before 2023.
Still, it would likely result in higher energy costs.
SELECT WEED KILLERS
It’s no secret that some weed killers contain harmful chemicals.
Even so, many are still sold and remain in-use by American households.
There are, however, two banned ingredients that you should check for on the weedkiller label.
They include clorthal-dimethyl and dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal), both of which can harm humans.
GAS LEAF BLOWERS
Certain cities like California, Illinois, and New Jersey have completely banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
The reasoning behind this comes as the tool emits toxic pollutants that not only harm the environment but also human health.
Lungs are especially at risk, as noted by the Respiratory Health Association.
Plenty of states still allow them, but it’s best to reach for an electric option if possible.
WOOD SHINGLES
One of the last banned items that might be on your house rather than lying around it is wooden shingles.
Wood roofs on homes are banned in some areas like Southern California, as they’re prone to be disastrous during wildfires.
The ban has been in place for more than 15 years as of 2025.
Americans should also remain aware of some other banned items.
At least 20 major states restrict a coveted breakfast item in grocery stores, and three have a legal loophole around it.
Another US state could also join at least 12 others soon with a ban on a common grocery store item.
