Skeptics Stack Exchange
Skeptics Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [safety]

The balance of benefit versus harm of an activity, device, technology or substance.

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Is 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) Dangerous?

Over the years, I've heard (and read about) various dubious claims and doubtful allegations regarding the dangers of WiFi & 2.4GHz wireless ISM band communications in general. The stories typically presented themselves with the tell-tale signs of…
voices
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Is the Kinect IR laser safe?

The Microsoft Kinect uses an IR source (laser or just diode?) to project a pattern in order to get 3D data on what it's looking at. As low-power IR is invisible and intangible, many people have concern about it, implicating it when they feel a…
Nick T
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If I drop my cycle helmet, do I need to buy a new one?

In conversation with my housemate last night he said that if a cycle helmet is dropped, even from a height of a meter or so, onto a hard surface then it needs to be replaced. He said the internal structure of the helmet could be damaged, even if…
fredley
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Do loud motorcycles prevent accidents?

In my neighbourhood, there is one of these inconsiderate people who has a loud motorcycle. I've already told him that his motorbike wakes me up, and he politely apologizes, but then does nothing about it. I was looking online for options about what…
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Is it unhealthy to reuse cooking oil?

I've heard that reusing cooking oil can be unhealthy. For example: Never re-use cooking oil once it has been exposed to heat. It is a recipe for trans fats and cancer-causing carcinogens. -Source Is this true?
Opt
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Do open windows increase the chance of lightning striking the house?

There's a widespread belief among most of the people I know that all windows should be closed during a storm as having them open is supposed to attract lightning (or, according to some people, can allow the lightning to 'strike inside'). I'm highly…
Gregor
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Is storing food in opened tin cans dangerous?

The UK National Health Service advises: never put open cans in the fridge, as the metal may transfer to the can's contents – place the contents in a storage container or covered bowl instead. Is there any evidence supporting the assertion…
Paul Cager
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Is there a "sweet spot" of secondary engagement that makes driving safer?

From Playing games while driving? BrightDriver's challenging proposition (emphasis added): At first blush, playing games while driving sounds like the kind of thing only the accident-prone would love. But apparently, certain types of games -- like…
user792
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Is online dating unsafe?

Is there any evidence to support the common conception that one is more likely to be physically injured when dating someone met online as opposed to someone met "offline"?
BlueWhale
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Do sharks quickly respond to blood in the water?

This seems to be portrayed in movies and TV quite often: we find a group of travelers desperately stranded on a small boat or raft. For one reason or another someone becomes injured and blood is spilled into the seawater. Without fail (sometimes…
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Do onions become toxic or otherwise dangerous within a day of a being cut open?

I saw a new "health advice" meme on Facebook today: Please remember it is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse…
Flimzy
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Do longer yellow lights increase traffic hazards?

CBS SF Bay Area published an article about the debate surrounding CA Assembly Bill 612, which would increase the duration of yellow signals for intersections with red-light cameras. An opponent of the bill argues that it's dangerous to lengthen…
Bradd Szonye
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What's the safest place in a house during an earthquake?

In my childhood, I heard that the safest place indoors during an earthquake is in any doorway or in the bathroom (toilet). Doug Copp, Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), recommends (via viral videos…
going
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Do smoke alarms save lives?

Almost all fire safety organizations and codes require the use of smoke alarms in new business and residential construction. The idea is that they save lives, as mentioned in this article from FEMA. This article from Freakanomics calls into…
SAJ14SAJ
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Is there formaldehyde in the glue of bamboo cutting boards? Is it dangerous?

Many purveyors of bamboo cutting boards make a point to advertise that the cutting board is made from formaldehyde-free glues. There seems to be fairly widespread advise to avoid formaldehyde in bamboo cutting boards, such as from the following two…
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