1. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
Only available from 1951–1952, this science kit for CHILDREN included four types of uranium ore, a Geiger counter, a comic called Dagwood Spits the Atom, and a coupon for ordering MORE radioactive materials. One of the four uranium ores included was Po-210 (Polonium) which, by mass, is 250,000 times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide.
GOSH, I just can't imagine why THIS was banned......
2. The Belt Buckle Derringer Toy Gun
Introduced by Mattel in 1959, this little cap gun looks like a regular belt buckle to the unsuspecting bad guy/victim. However, when you "extend" your stomach, the gun flips out and allows you to fire off a round. Ignoring the fact that stomach extension is a strange way to trigger anything, the gun was banned because it could accidentally be ignited by friction, causing burns in the crotch area of many presumably traumatized children.
3. Steve the Tramp Action Figure
What's that? Steve the Tramp Action Figure sounds lamer than The Sopranos' finale? Well, you're right, but he wasn't banned for being a snooze fest. The action figure, released along with the 1990 Dick Tracy film, came in a box printed with the phrase "ignorant bum...you'll smell him before you see him." This offended a few people, causing Steve to be kicked to the curb (poor choice of words).
4. Children's Books Older than 1985
Congress put a ban on the resale of any child's book older than Purple Rainbecause the ink used in printing them could contain a dangerous level of lead. What constitutes a dangerous level of lead for a child? Pretty much any. So much for solving the mystery of the desert giant.
