Dangerous Toys From Our Childhood- Jarts

On December 19, 1988, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned Jarts from sale in the United States due to their hazards as “a flying projectile with a sharp metal point”. When it comes to Dangerous Toys From Our Childhood, I don’t think anything could top Jarts. Anything with the words “missile” and “game” in the same sentence sounds like a blast! We’re taking a look back at toys deemed too dangerous for kids.

Let me paint you a pretty picture: You’re at a family picnic, let’s say the 4^th of July. The grill is grilling great burgers and everyone seems to be having a great time. Someone suggests a great family game called Jarts aka Lawn Darts. You decide this seems like fun so you play. Little do you know that these Darts could be considered weapons of death, or even weapons of mass destruction. With this on the box how could you go wrong: “WARNING: Not a toy for use by children. May cause serious of fatal injury. Read instructions carefully. Keep out of reach of children.”

According to Jarts on Facebook, A lawn dart set usually included four large darts and two targets. The objective of the game was very similar to horseshoes and darts. The darts were typically 12 inches (30 cm) long with a weighted metal tip on one end and three plastic fins on a rod at the other end. The darts were intended to be tossed underhand toward a horizontal ground target, where the weighted end hit  first and stick out of the ground. Landing anywhere within the ring scored you a point.

The only problem was every time the dart sunk into the ground it became sharper due to the types of soil all over the U.S. Eventually you would end up with a sharp tip, that could be a dangerous weapon, and that our parents allowed us to play with.

How many deaths and injuries have been reported you ask? According to ChaCha.com, roughly 6,700 emergency-room visits were reported and the deaths of three children between 1978 and 1988 were reported. Another hidden number you’ll never find is the death of pets. People wouldn’t kill their dog on purpose, but what if you’re pooch chased the dart down the yard? It would end in disaster

They sell plastic tip Jarts now a days, but I think the world is a whole lot safer without Jarts altogether. Just another file in our Dangerous Toys From Our Childhood.

(Photo by Catching Lawn Darts/Facebook)