16 Everyday Things That You Never Realized Are Incredibly Dangerous
Have you ever considered how dangerous it is to walk down the stairs with your hands in your pockets? Most people know the major dangers in society and take the necessary precautions, like looking both ways before crossing the street. However, so many everyday things are much more dangerous than we realize. The following are sixteen everyday things that are a lot more dangerous than you know.
1. Headphones
For most people, headphones are a staple in their daily lives. Headphones are convenient for listening to music, a podcast, or just talking on the phone. But have you ever considered that they could be dangerous? For one, many people don't realize how loud the volume is and how much it's affecting their hearing. Also, wearing headphones while walking or jogging makes you less aware of your surroundings and more prone to accidents.
2. Driving During a Flood
Flood waters are deceptively powerful and deep. During a flood, you may think you're safe because you're inside your vehicle. However, your car can be easily capsized or swept away in the current. Plus, without seeing the road, you never know what's lurking beneath the surface. If you ever get caught on the streets during a flood, it's always best to turn around.
3. Driving While Being Angry
If you're out late, your main concern will likely be getting to work as fast as you can and cutting in front of people. However, driving while being angry is just as dangerous as driving drunk. While people might be driving to the speed limit or slower, you get so angry that you are trying to rush getting to work. However, driving with emotions can cause you to make mistakes on the road and can cause an accident.
4. Cat Scratches
Has a cat ever scratched you? While cats are adorable, their scratches are incredibly dangerous. Cat scratches can lead to infections or cat scratch disease (CSD). CSD is caused by the bacteria in your cat's claws and can lead to serious symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue. If you're scratched by a cat, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
5. Mixing Medications
If you're unwell, it might seem reasonable that mixing medications will target all of your symptoms. However, combining medications could have disastrous results. Some medicines can interact with each other in harmful ways, leading to serious side effects. If a doctor is prescribing you medication, be sure that they are aware of everything you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
6. Large Livestock
Cows, horses, and other large livestock may seem like gentle giants. However, they can also be unpredictable and powerful. If these animals are startled or agitated, they could seriously injure you. Always approach large animals with caution and follow all of the necessary safety guidelines, especially with animals you are not familiar with.
7. Combining Cleaning Products
There are so many cleaning products on the market, each promising to give you the best result. While it might seem reasonable to combine some of these cleaning agents, mixing some of these products together can create toxic fumes. Inhaling these films can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and even chemical burns. Always read labels on your cleaning products, and never mix them unless you're positive that it's safe.
8. Walking With Your Hands in Your Pockets
Most people have never considered walking with their hands in their pockets as dangerous. It's comfortable, especially during the colder months, to walk with your hands safely tucked away. However, if you trip or slip and have no way to break your fall, you could face serious injuries like broken bones or even head trauma. Always keep your hands free while walking, especially in a slippery or uneven area.
9. Garage Door Repairs
If you're a DIYer, you might be tempted to repair your garage door yourself. However, garage doors are incredibly heavy and operate under high tension. If your garage door springs snap, the release is sudden and violent, causing severe injuries to anyone in the way and damage to the property. Always phone a professional if you have issues with your garage door.
10. Inhaling Paint Fumes
Proper ventilation is so important when working with paint. Whether you're painting a room or working on a craft project paint fumes are incredibly harmful. They can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. In addition to proper ventilation, you should also consider wearing a mask when working with paint to protect yourself from inhaling these deadly fumes.
11. Amusement Park Rides
Amusement park rides are designed to be as safe as possible. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't still dangerous. Negligence, operator errors, and failure to properly secure your seatbelt are some of the things that could contribute to amusement park accidents. When enjoying the rides at an amusement park, always follow all safety instructions, and if something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to speak up.
12. Untreated Toothache
Have you ever had a toothache that you tried your best to ignore? Whether it's at an inconvenient time or you can't afford to go to the dentist right away, you should never ignore a toothache. Infections in your teeth can spread from one to the other and to other parts of your body, potentially causing life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Persistent toothaches should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible.
13. Sedentary Lifestyle
How many hours a day do you spend sitting at your desk? A sedentary lifestyle is a sneaky danger. While it might seem harmless to spend long hours sitting while reading, watching TV, or working, these increase your risk of developing chronic health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are all common issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Always incorporate physical activity into your day, even if it's just going on a few short walks.
14. Popping Zits
If you have a zit, you're probably tempted to pop it. However, this will only cause more harm than good. When you pop a pimple, you release bacteria deeper into your skin, potentially causing cystic acne or inflammation. Instead of popping, use gentle skincare products that will target your pimples and get rid of them over time.
15. Shoveling Snow
Shoveling snow seems like a normal winter activity, but it can be dangerous. Cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict, and since shoveling snow is such a strenuous activity, this puts a lot of strain on your heart. If you're not used to regular exercise, shoveling snow could lead to a heart attack. Though this chore is impossible to avoid, take it slow and take breaks if you feel tired.
16. Lawnmowers
If you have a lawn, you may own a lawn mower. When used properly, lawnmowers may not seem like deadly machines. However, if a stone gets caught in the blade, the pressure could cause serious bodily harm to anyone standing nearby and destruction of property. Always ensure that kids and pets are nowhere near the lawn mower and wear protective gear while using it.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.