Five Things Not to Inhale: Dangerous, Hazardous, and Toxic!

We're constantly being told how to be healthy and stay alive. New diet gurus and health findings pop up every hour. All these people with positive attitudes out there, trying to proactively change your health.

I'm a Negative Nancy. And you will listen up; here are five things you will not sniff.

5) Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. But don't sniff it. It is a highly toxic gas and the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. It is created during the incomplete combustion of fuel, when oxygen is limited and full combustion is not possible. Often, when having an attack by carbon monoxide, the symptoms seem to be similar to the flu or a common cold. But the true culprit is not a flu or a cold, it is often much worse. Carbon monoxide, in high amounts of poisoning, can cause unconsciousness and death. As a precaution in your house, make sure to keep a carbon monoxide monitor plugged in and charged in many areas of your house.

4) Asbestos

Asbestos? Surely you mean asparagus, Mr. Writer? And why would asparagus be dangerous?

There is such a thing as asbestos, and it has nothing to do with asparagus. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral which is found in construction materials for roofing/siding, is found in the air, and is found in water. However, you better make sure they aren't putting this stuff in your Evian mineral water. Asbestos is known to cause numerous cancers such as prostate cancer and lung cancer. Asbestos is also associated with a number of nasty sounding diseases, such as asbestos warts, pleural plaques, and diffuse pleural thickening. Yuck. So please don't go near this stuff, and please do not give some polished asbestos to your rock-collecting nephew.

3) Ammonia