Creepy Vintage Kids’ Toys That Would Be Banned Today

Atomic Energy Lab

In the 1950s, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab promised kids a glimpse into the mysterious world of nuclear physics. This “educational” toy included real radioactive uranium ore samples, a Geiger counter, and even a cloud chamber to observe radiation tracks. The idea was to inspire young scientists by letting them experiment with “atomic energy” at home.

Sounds cool, right? But the reality was far more dangerous. Parents unknowingly exposed children to radiation doses that today would be strictly illegal. The government soon realized handing out radioactive materials to kids wasn’t a great idea, and the kit was pulled from stores. Now it’s a collectible relic of a time when safety regulations were… well, pretty radioactive themselves.

Advertisements