From poisonous plants to snails, venomous vipers and hypothermia, these are some of the most terrifying things that can kill you in under an hour. They’re all so dangerous, we had to make this list!
Share. If you know any other things that can kill you in less than an hour, please share!
1. Poisonous Plants
Poisonous plants can cause irritation, nausea, vomiting and even death. They contain toxins like alkaloids and glycosides that can trigger serious reactions.
The most common poisonous plants are flowers and berries that look harmless but can be dangerous when eaten. The best way to avoid this is to keep these berries and flowers out of reach of children.
Young children tend to be more prone to plant exposure than adults because they are very curious and will often chew on anything they can find, especially attractive berries or fruit. If they do ingest something toxic, they are more likely to experience severe symptoms than adults.
2. Snails
There are thousands of species of snails, which can be found in a variety of habitats. The majority of snails are herbivorous, eating plants such as leaves and fruits.
But there are also carnivorous snails that eat fish and worms. Snails also scavenge for calcium from dirt and rocks to build their shells, which can be impressively large.
Snails can be found all over the world, and some are even considered pets. But they’re short-lived even by the standards of most pets, and can be destructive in your garden or aquarium if you don’t take the time to care for them properly.
There are many ways to get rid of them. For example, if you have an aquarium, introducing fish like zebra loaches can help eat up the snails, but this only solves the problem temporarily and won’t address the causes of the infestation.
3. Venomous Vipers
A snake is an animal that can bite and inject venom into its prey. This can kill or injure the victim and can also help the viper digest its food.
Venoms contain a mix of neurotoxins, procoagulants and myotoxins that cause hemorrhage in blood vessels and muscle tissue. They can also block breathing and inhibit heart function.
This is why the inland taipan, considered to be the world’s most dangerous snake, is able to kill an untreated victim in under an hour.
Vipers are a family of snakes called the Viperidae and they can be found worldwide. They are venomous and have long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of their venom.
4. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition where your body’s core temperature drops below 95degF (35degC). It can occur when you’re exposed to cold weather or if you fall into cold water.
In extreme cases, it can be fatal if you don’t receive immediate treatment. It’s especially dangerous for older adults, people without heat or clothing, and outdoor workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
You may be able to tell if someone is suffering from hypothermia by looking for symptoms such as confusion, shivering and impaired thinking ability. Call 911 if you see these signs.
A person who is severely hypothermic can die in under an hour if they aren’t treated promptly. This is why it’s important to take a first aid or emergency resuscitation course and learn how to treat it properly.
5. Sunburn
Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that occurs when you get too much exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun, a tanning bed or any other source. The signs of sunburn begin to appear in as little as 11 minutes and the skin can become red within 2 to 6 hours.
Symptoms are usually temporary but can have lasting effects on the skin, including a greater risk of developing cancer later in life. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the dangers of UV rays and apply sunscreen before heading out into the sun.
If you experience a sunburn that gets to the point of blistering, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These blisters can cover up to a quarter of your body and are an indicator that you have been exposed to too much UV rays.
6. Falling Out of Bed
Falling out of bed is a common problem for many people. But it is particularly dangerous for elderly individuals.
Seniors are more prone to falls because they have decreased mobility and strength, as well as other health conditions that increase their risk of falling.
It’s important to understand the causes of a senior’s frequent falls so you can take preventative measures and keep your loved one safe.
A number of things can cause a senior to fall out of bed, including a change in sleeping environment and changes in their medication. The best way to reduce the risks is to use bed rails to help them get out of bed safely and securely.
7. Poisonous Foods
Food poisoning is the most common type of poisoning and occurs when someone eats contaminated food or water. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or the toxins produced by these organisms.
Some foods can be extremely toxic and may lead to illness or death. Some common foods that can be deadly include fugu (a puffer fish), cherries, apple seeds and Casu Marzu, a cheese fermented by maggots.
Cherries and apple seeds contain cyanide, which can cause rapid breathing, seizures, and even death. It is important to know that eating just one cherry pit can be fatal, so spit out any uncrushed pits before you chew on them.
8. Smoking
Smoking has been linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes and other health problems. It also increases the risk of developing tuberculosis, certain eye diseases and problems with the immune system.
The chemicals in tobacco smoke wreak havoc on your body’s organs and tissues. They damage your DNA, the instructions that tell your cells how to grow and function.
Tobacco smoke is a mix of chemicals, at least 70 of which are known carcinogens. They’re toxic and kill your cells in the lungs and elsewhere throughout the body.
Smoking also makes your blood thick and sticky, which can increase the chances of blood clots blocking blood flow to your heart, brain or legs. This can result in heart attacks, strokes and amputations. It can also lower your fertility and make it harder for you to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.
9. Being a Couch Potato
You’re probably doing the right amount of exercise each week, but if you spend most of your time sitting down, that can have serious health consequences. That’s why you need to make sure that you are getting plenty of movement throughout your day.
The best way to do that is to get up and walk around at least once every 30 minutes while you are sitting down. This small activity will help you break up your sedentary habits and prevent harmful effects on your body.
The term couch potato is often used to describe a person who spends too much time watching television and not enough physical activity. A recent study has found that these people are more likely to have a number of health problems including heart disease and obesity than those who are active.
10. Laughter
Laughter is a positive and enjoyable emotional response to a variety of stimuli. It’s also an excellent way to de-stress and increase your energy levels, according to psychologists.
Despite the many benefits of laughter, it can be dangerous. In fact, laughing too hard can even kill you.
A Greek philosopher named Chrysippus once died after laughing too hard.
This is because laughter changes the pressure on the abdominal wall. That means that little pieces of your bowel may get trapped, which is a symptom of a hernia.
Fortunately, it’s extremely rare that this happens, but it’s something to keep in mind. If you do find yourself laughing too hard, it’s better to sit down and calmly take your time. You might just save your life!