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40 Internet Users Warn Everyone About ‘Harmless’ Things That Are, In Fact, Dangerous
Let’s not beat around the bush—living is a dangerous thing, no matter what you do. Accidents can and do happen. On the road. In the kitchen. At work. You have to be aware of the biggest risks you might face in your day-to-day life, so you can avoid most of them. Knowledge and practice are powerful and they help you remain calm in case there’s an emergency. It also means you’re not living in panic and paranoia, afraid to take a single step outside your home.
However, not all risks are immediately obvious. Some of them are quite subtle and insidious. Redditor u/figinjosejospe sparked an informative discussion on r/AskReddit after they asked internet users to share the seemingly harmless things and behaviors that are “actually incredibly dangerous.” Read on to see what they had to share. It’s a learning opportunity, as well as a chance to refresh what you might already know.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Bullying. Sounds dumb, and I might get downvoted for a few reasons, mainly because adults know that it's insanely stupid, and reason two being it's been cracked down on within the last decade or so, but for kids and quite marginally it still happens. I'm sure almost everyone out there has poked fun or teased someone in their life but it's actually extremely serious how quickly and severely it can deteriorate someone's mental health and esteem, especially in their teen years, and how most kids don't even know what they're doing. On top of that you never know someone's situation. Be nice. They could be going through something rough.
freakingbee (they/them) 2 years ago
one of the things i hate about people my age is that they'll be like "omg stop bullying me" to their friends and treat it like some lighthearted joke when there's people around them who have been severely bullied in the past, occasionally even by the people who are joking about it.
RELATED:
#3
Pushing someone's face into a cake, even relatively lightly.
Some cakes have skewers inside to support them. A seemingly harmless prank could lead to being impaled, approach it from just the wrong angle and it's bye bye eyes.
So long as you’re aware that you’re not doing dumb stuff like putting your feet up on the dashboard of your car or driving while you’re exhausted, there’s no need to sweat over every teeny tiny possibility of something bad happening. It helps to get some perspective so you know what you should focus on. The world is full of risks, but you can’t hide in a corner somewhere, afraid to take opportunities and live to the fullest just because you might get hurt. It's your responsibility to balance safety with purpose and happiness.
For instance, the CDC reported that in 2021, the leading causes of death in the US were heart disease (695,547 deaths), cancer (605,213), Covid-19 (416,893), accidents (224,935), stroke (162,890), and chronic lower respiratory diseases (142,342). Meanwhile, that year, Alzheimer’s killed 119,399 Americans, while 103,294 people lost their lives due to diabetes.
#4
Having a loose animal in the car. A safety instructor once told me doctors had to dig dog bones out of a person after it got between them and an airbag.
#5
Water on the roadway, way too many people don’t understand that it does not take that much water to turn your situation into life or death.
#6
For kids, someone online with a sympathetic ear for their problems. Responsible adults will try to put you in touch with real-life help, not encourage a pattern of reliance and inappropriate intimacy. Bonus danger points on anyone who throws down "You're really mature for your age." Predators online work just like real-life hunting predators; their first goal is to separate you from your herd.
Clearly, taking care of your physical health takes priority here. The best way to fight back against becoming another victim of these statistics is to eat a healthy diet (less sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats) and get plenty of exercise (walking, lifting weights, and moving in ways that you genuinely enjoy).
Something else to consider is having an active social life because isolation and loneliness increase your risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. Meditation, spending time out in nature, and carving out some time for your passions and hobbies are also wonderful ways to improve your quality of life.
If all you do is study or work all the time, without making meaningful connections with others and ignoring your needs, you’re bound to burnout.
#7
Putting your feet on car dashboard.
#8
Herbivores Just because they don't eat you doesn't mean they won't hurt you... Carnivore look at you and think are you a good prey and are they hungry ...if they think no ,they will just leave you. Herbivores gets a flight or fight response..99% they preferred flight but God save if they decide to fight.. Carnivores are designed to kill you in one instance to save energy but herbivores willl keep attacking you killing you slowly and might even do after death.. No wonder , hippos have a higher kill count than lions in Africa
#9
Kids picking flowers in the park. I am a conservation Technician for a county park system, at least once a year I have to stop parents with kids picking flowers off the trail because I see kids with either poison hemlock (one of the deadliest plants if injesting even a tiny amount) or wild parsnip, which can cause some serious permanent scarring, burns, and boils if the sap gets on to your skin and is exposed to sunlight. Don't let your kids pick or eat anything you aren't 100% sure of.
The CDC reports that back in 2020, there were 24.2 million emergency department visits for unintentional injuries. Back in 2018, the numbers were very similar, standing at 24.8 million.
Some of the leading causes of death due to accidents included falling (44,686 in 2021), traffic accidents (45,404), and unintentional poisoning (102,001). So when it comes to mitigating the risk from accidents, the top things to focus on are being safe behind the wheel and when crossing the street, making sure that that you’re careful when you’re walking down the stairs, climbing ladders, and getting out of the shower, and ensuring that you don’t ingest any harmful chemicals.
#10
Backflips into a pool. As a lifeguard I can tell you, you WILL break your neck. I don’t care that you’re good at it. Stop doing them.
#11
Pool covers. It's like being wrapped in a bedsheet underwater. You cannot get free and you cannot scream for help. Once you're in the only way to get out is to be incredibly lucky and get free or have faith that someone saw or heard you fall in and hope that they get you in time.
It's a lengthy, terrifying, death that's completely avoidable.
#14
Poor fitness levels. There are so many things that go wrong with the human body later in life based on activity levels throughout midlife. Additionally, this has nothing to do thinness. People of all sizes should strive to exercise appropriately to their ability and life situation.
E Menendez 2 years ago
Walking is the best, but most underrated, exercise out there. Walk at a moderate pace 30 minutes a day and it will do wonders for you.
#16
Voting without doing any research
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Yeah, who knows what clown you will end up with. Mind you the average voter doesn't really have much capacity for independent research. Usually all the bad things come to light after the clown has been elected
#17
Getting in and out of the shower/bath. One slip can be all it takes to sustain some very serious injuries.
Steve Robert 2 years ago
And glass shower doors. I was in the shower once and one of the sides dislodged and fell in pieces on me. Fortunately it was the one in front and not the back where I was standing. Glass shower doors can be deadly!
Libstak 2 years ago
There should only be safety glass in bathrooms unless the house is really old, even then the old glass should be replaced.
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Heather W 2 years ago
Oh, man. I was getting dressed after a shower one night, lost my balance, and fell backward into the tub. Couldn't get out, was yelling for help. My teen had her earbuds in so couldn't hear me. The cat tried to help, but there was not much she could do. Took me 5 minutes to shift my position enough to get out. Worst part was I brought the shower curtain rod down and it smacked me in the face.
Melissa 2 years ago
Oh no! At least you have a sweet kitty that tried to help :)
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Deedee 2 years ago
Last year I was sick so I took a bath, I got really dizzy and my blood pressure probably fell as I got out of the bath. I passed out and hit my head on either the tub or the sink and split my head open! Luckily my dad heard me and could call an ambulance but the bathroom floor was a bloodbath... It turned out as a concussion and heavy bruising, and I still have a nice scar there somewhere.
Bec 2 years ago
Ouch! I cut my hand and was trying to bandage it but kept bleeding. I tend to have low blood pressure and can pass out easily. My husband found me in the bathroom and was chiding me for not asking for help when I almost passed out and had to sit down. He was all, what if you had passed out and hit your head!
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Lavi Berko 2 years ago
especially if you are old. always make sure you have a good non-slip surface to step on. (i am not old but this should be good advice for anyone)
Carla Campbell 2 years ago
NEVER take a shower if you are alone. I know people HAVE to. My friend's 16-year-old daughter fell, hit the faucet, was knocked out, and drowned.
Deborah Rubin 2 years ago
Oh dear yes! I hold tight to the grab bar until I am secure on the non-slip bath mat.
Bec 2 years ago
I just invited my Mom to stay at a resort hotel with me and she commented on how there were no kind of grab bar for getting out of the shower. You don't often see them in hotels, I suppose because they aren't aesthetically pleasing+ the cost, but if it became the norm we'd all be a lot safer.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
If you do not feel well? Sponge bath it while sitting on edge of tub. Just don't take the risk.
Mary Beheler 2 years ago
Once the toenail next to my pinkie toe got caught in the lacey outer curtain of a tub as I was stepping over the rim. One foot was stuck swinging kneehigh on the curtain. I caught hold of the faucet handles and avoided a fall, but just barely. It was quite a struggle to get loose. I had no idea a shower curtain could attack!
Michelle C 2 years ago
If I remember correctly, 70% of accidents occur within the home and most of of the fatal accidents are bathroom-related, such as falls.
Virgil Blue 2 years ago
The reason I now got a rubber mat in the shower was slipping and almost getting my brain punctured by the facet.
LizzieBoredom 2 years ago
Half Man, Half Plumbing. ALL Terror. FacetBrain. Coming to a Theatre near you.
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#18
News edited for us. when i was growing up i could read what was said. now al that is found is an opinion
Steve Robert 2 years ago
That is why you need to determine the source and why critical thinking is so important!
#20
Ai algorithms and deep fake technologies. It can be use for far more nefarious things than creating videos about three presidents arguing about videogames.
#21
Bison. Just go to Yellowstone, grab some popcorn, find a tourist route and watch. You'll see.
#23
Alone baby wild-animals. You many think they are alone but most of time mama is nearby.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Makes me think of that Far Side comic where two kids are tossing a bear cub to each other and the mother bear is approaching in the background. The caption says something like "And the [name] brothers were never heard from again".
#24
A patch of calm, smooth ocean between sections that look rough.
Sad Pumpkin Pie 2 years ago
Ok can somebody explain what this means and why it's dangerous plz? I'm not very familiar with the dangers of the ocean.
#25
Staying with a crazy person because they are hot/the sex is good
StrangeOne 2 years ago
Imo, sex is overrated. It's not good enough to stay in a relationship. Learn to do it yourself the best way you can and you'll be forgetting what'stheirname.
#27
Playing with a blue ringed octopus.
Julia Mckinney 2 years ago
AND, the blue rings only show up when the octopus starts feeling stressed.
#29
Breathing in cinnamon.
Melissa Hollowell 2 years ago
Inhaling cinnamon can cause inflammation in the lungs, a thickening of lung tissue, and scarring which may lead to pneumonia, a collapsed lung, and/or permanent lung damage.
#30
Staying up all night. Humans are not nocturnal and it can really take a toll on your mental health long term.
#31
Colorful and pretty wildlife you’re unfamiliar with.
If you wouldn’t eat a berry you’re unfamiliar with, why would you pick up an animal you’re unfamiliar with?
Heather Daugherty 2 years ago
I'd be so unalive cause those teeny, colorful dart frogs are the cutest widdle ribbits ever!
#32
Always threatening to fight people. If you’re first go to is to threaten to fight someone. You may actually come across someone who severely hurts you. Also you look like trash always threatening to fight people
#33
Coconuts. You are 20X more likely to get killed by a falling coconut than a shark!
#34
Garage springs and hippos
Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Strange juxtaposition. Why not "Chinese finger traps and crocodiles"?
#35
The home. 100% of household accidents happen in or around the home.
Stairs. my serious answer is stairs. I've fallen down a lot of them in my day and can confirm they are dangerous.
Burnt Bagel 2 years ago
“100% of household accidents happen in or around the home.” Seriously?!
#37
Oil painting in a closed studio
E Menendez 2 years ago
IIRC Bob Ross died of lymphoma linked to the oil paint and turpentine he used.
#38
Sunbathing
StrangeOne 2 years ago
There's nothing wrong with the colour of your winter skin. That's the colour you're meant to be. Embrace it.
#39
Eating too much sugar.
#40
Not boiling dried kidney beans long enough.
#41
TikTok and its algorithm
#42
Putting your hands in your pockets when going down stairs
Temporary Dork 2 years ago
Not jeans pockets, guys: coat pockets, going into the subway or something.
#43
Avoidance—It may be easy in the short term, but becomes more challenging the longer you wait to deal with it.
#44
Sacrificing much for work. Hours, energy and freedom.
ThéviNinja 2 years ago
That quote, “no one on their death bed ever wished they’d spent more time at the office.”
#45
cleaning your bathroom. tons of people don’t know s**t about about mixing chemicals.
Sandy Kavanaugh 2 years ago
Do NOT mix bleach with ammonia. Or pour bleach into a toilet with urine.
#46
Anything to do with animals. I saw a rooster cut a man’s wrist open to his elbow.
#47
Golden poison dart frog. It’s tiny and looks so cute, but their poison can kill even an elephant.
#48
Swimming in rivers, lakes, or oceans may seem like a fun and harmless activity, but these bodies of water can be unpredictable and dangerous. Strong currents, undertows, and sudden changes in weather can all pose a serious threat to swimmers.
#50
Sucking helium out of balloons to sound funny
David 2 years ago
You'd have to do a lot of helium inhaling for hypoxia to become an issue. The helium itself is pretty harmless so if you exhale and breathe normally you'll be fine. Or source me a link if I'm wrong because I'm willing to learn but that is both my personal experience and what I'm reading on the internet.
#51
Holding in/suppressing a sneeze. You could pop a blood vessel in your lungs and instantly die.
Stardust she/her 2 years ago
I might be teasing the grim reaper then. I’ll stop suppressing my sneezes just in w
#53
Dogs. The 4th most deadliest animal on the planet. at an approximate 35,000 deaths per year. There are many many more dog attacks, maulings, bites. As we have these animals in our homes, in our neighbourhoods, they could actually be the most dangerous animal in the western world. The only things that come above it is Snakes, Humans and Mosquitos.
What do you think ?
Phoebe Bean 2 years ago
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Valaun 2 years ago
I didn't see this so I am going to mention it here. Never mix household cleaners. You can accidentally create poison gases that will kill you. Happened to my wife's cousin who was cleaning her bathtub for company. Had a hard time removing soap, went with a different cleaner. 15 minutes later, she noticed she was having a hard time breathing. Her kids called 911. In the 15 minutes it took the ambulance to get there, here lungs were partially turned to mush. Truth is she was dead 5 minutes after mixing the cleaner and the ambulance couldn't have saved her. Never mix bleach. Never mix drain cleaners or hard water deposit removers. Use proper ventilation and PPE. And don't keep you face over drains. You are mixing chemicals and water. The gases created are toxic and like to rise.
freakingbee (they/them) 2 years ago
so basically a repeat of the same post from less than 24 hours ago? geez bp...
Dave Freeman 2 years ago
"Anyone can copy content off of Reddit and post it on BP!"
Load More Replies...
Rachael Lopez torres 2 years ago
Horizontal blinds that have pull strings. So many toddlers or cats get tangled in them (and they’re mostly in apartments; dealt with them all my life). Either tie the cord so high up and fasten it or buy blinds without the string. Prevention is the key.
Stargazer66 2 years ago
I saw the blue ringed octopus and said to myself it must be indigenous to Australia. Looked it up. Google said the blue ringed octopus is extremely venomous and is found in coral reefs and tide pools in the Pacific and Indian Oceans from Japan to AUSTRALIA!
Iblowsheep_V3.2 2 years ago
the whole world will kill you, stay in bed...wait that's harmful too..FÜCK!
Phoebe Bean 2 years ago
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Valaun 2 years ago
I didn't see this so I am going to mention it here. Never mix household cleaners. You can accidentally create poison gases that will kill you. Happened to my wife's cousin who was cleaning her bathtub for company. Had a hard time removing soap, went with a different cleaner. 15 minutes later, she noticed she was having a hard time breathing. Her kids called 911. In the 15 minutes it took the ambulance to get there, here lungs were partially turned to mush. Truth is she was dead 5 minutes after mixing the cleaner and the ambulance couldn't have saved her. Never mix bleach. Never mix drain cleaners or hard water deposit removers. Use proper ventilation and PPE. And don't keep you face over drains. You are mixing chemicals and water. The gases created are toxic and like to rise.
freakingbee (they/them) 2 years ago
so basically a repeat of the same post from less than 24 hours ago? geez bp...
Dave Freeman 2 years ago
"Anyone can copy content off of Reddit and post it on BP!"
Load More Replies... Rachael Lopez torres 2 years ago
Horizontal blinds that have pull strings. So many toddlers or cats get tangled in them (and they’re mostly in apartments; dealt with them all my life). Either tie the cord so high up and fasten it or buy blinds without the string. Prevention is the key.
Stargazer66 2 years ago
I saw the blue ringed octopus and said to myself it must be indigenous to Australia. Looked it up. Google said the blue ringed octopus is extremely venomous and is found in coral reefs and tide pools in the Pacific and Indian Oceans from Japan to AUSTRALIA!
Iblowsheep_V3.2 2 years ago
the whole world will kill you, stay in bed...wait that's harmful too..FÜCK!
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