On Aug. 30, 1964, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested help in removing “X-33 Water Repellent” from the market. The extremely flammable product had caused three deaths and more than 30 injuries through flash explosions, in many cases while it was being used in home basements to waterproof masonry.

Federal oversight of consumer products such as X-33 and many other items used in the home was transferred to the newly created Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1973. One class of consumer products still regulated by the FDA is radiation-emitting products. Today, the product is water based.