10 Common Household Items You May Not Know Are Banned

If you have an older fever thermometer lying around, it may contain mercury. The use of mercury is being phased out and several states prohibit the sale of mercury-containing thermometers, because it’s “a toxic, environmentally-persistent substance,” according to The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978, because exposure can cause serious health problems. Lead-based paint is still present in older homes (often under layers of newer paint), exterior surfaces and playgrounds.

In an effort to reduce the risk of strangulation to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned custom window coverings with cords in 2022. Corded blinds, shades, drapes and more should be taken down immediately.

Never let your newborn sleep with a crib bumper pad — they’ve been linked to more than 200 infant deaths. In 2022, the Safe Sleep for Babies Act (SSBA) declared crib bumpers as “banned hazardous products.”

R-22 is a refrigerant often used in air conditioning equipment, and as of 2020, it’s being phased out because it depletes the earth’s ozone layer. For now, you can continue using your existing AC unit, but according to the EPA, you could save money on your energy bill with a newer, more efficient model.

RELATED: 8 Best Window AC Units, According to Testing

As of August 2023, the sale of incandescent lightbulbs was banned due to their extreme energy inefficiency. While it’s not illegal to continue using incandescent light bulbs (if you bought them prior to 2023), your energy bill will see the impact.

Most of us have heard that weedkillers contain harmful chemicals — but what does that actually mean? There are two banned ingredients you should definitely steer clear of: chlorthal-dimethyl and dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) as they can harm human health.

Cities in California, New Jersey and Illinois have banned the use of gas leaf blowers. Although functional, the backyard tool emits toxic pollutants that be hazardous to the environment and human health. They can leave the lungs vulnerable, according to the Respiratory Health Association.

Wood roofs are banned in some areas prone to wildfires — like Southern California. While your home may be grandfathered in, the bans been in effect for upwards of 15 years, so it may be time to consider replacing your wood shingles.

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