10 Common Household Items You May Not Know Are Banned
Your family might be in danger if you have any of these items.
Most of us don't regularly read up on government bans — understandably so, but there's been a few in recent years that may surprise you. From crib bumpers and corded window coverings to incandescent light bulbs, you may have banned items hidden throughout your home.
It may not be illegal to continue using a banned item (there's often a period of time where the product is phased out), but it's likely unsafe. Most of these household items have been banned due to their health and safety concerns, or their negative environmental impact. Check your bathroom closet, garage and backyard shed for these banned items ASAP.
Mercury Thermometers
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).
Lead-Based Paint
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.
Corded Window Coverings
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.
Certain Space Heaters
While there's not a total ban on natural gas or unvented space heaters throughout the U.S., there are several cities and states (like California) that have implemented a ban. Unvented space heaters have been linked to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to New York's Department of Health.
Crib Bumpers
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."
AC Units With R-22
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.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
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.
Some Weedkillers
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.
Gas Leaf Blowers
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 Shingles (In Fire-Prone Cities)
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.
RELATED: How to Choose the Best Roofing Material for Your Home
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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