In the 1800s, before modern bicycles, there was the penny farthing. It’s the iconic bike with one giant wheel up front and a tiny wheel in the back. You might not know that it caused hundreds of injuries. Eventually, the modern bike came along and was initially called the “safety bicycle.” So, why was the penny farthing so dangerous and what was the reason for the giant wheel in the first place?
Expired, dangerous stuff hiding in your house: Fire extinguishers, recalled products and lots more
Look around your house, and you’ll see things you never even realized have a shelf-life — and I don’t mean things like food that have a best-by date.
Take fire extinguishers. Over time, they can lose pressure. Those and smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so.
Bike helmets only last about five years. After that, they start degrading. Ladies, toss your mascara after a few months or pink-eye-causing bacteria can grow. Oh, and bleach gets 20% less effective each year.
We haven’t even gotten to the tech! Some gadgets are security and safety risks, too. Scan this list to make sure you and your family are safe.
1. Old phones sitting in a drawer can start a fire
YouTuber Arun Maini, who runs a popular channel called Mrwhosetheboss, has collected every Samsung flagship phone since 2010. He noticed a scary pattern. The phone’s batteries are swelling enough to crack the glass and split the cases.
It’s not just Samsung phones. Any gadget with a lithium-ion battery is susceptible to damage over time. A swollen battery is a serious issue that can lead to fires, injuries, and property damage.
Rummage through your drawers for your old phones, and look for any signs of battery swelling. If you see it, here’s what to do:
- Don’t try to charge a swollen phone. Charging a swollen battery can trigger a fire or explosion.
- If you have an older phone with an easily removable battery, carefully separate the battery from the case. If you have a newer phone, don’t attempt to remove the battery yourself.
- Put the swollen phone in a fireproof bag and contact the manufacturer. You may not be able to exchange an old model or get anything for it. However, at the very least, arrange for it to be recycled or disposed of properly.
When it comes to storing old phones, follow these rules of thumb:
- Turn off the phone and put it in a cool, moisture-free place.
- Charge the battery to 50% if you plan on storing it for a long time. Check the battery every six months or so and charge it halfway.
Maintenance can go a long way in getting more years out of your phone. Tap or click for my simple guide to properly clean your iPhone or Android inside and out.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
New Android malware can record your conversations
Who wouldn’t like getting free products or services to save a few bucks? Especially these days when inflation is skyrocketing.
But not everything is always as it seems. If you search online for free device cleaners or security apps, they might infect your device with malware. Tap or click here for a few examples of free antivirus apps recently caught hiding malware.
Social media discovers Hitler
AI tools have made it easier than ever to alter history. Let’s talk about why this is dangerous.
15 million views on a Hitler video: On X, a user uploaded a colorized, edited video of Hitler’s 1939 Reichstag speech, complete with an AI English translation. Here’s the shocker — the video is getting loads of sympathetic replies from folks saying Hitler sounded reasonable. A false revision of history is dangerous. I shouldn’t have to say this.
This TikTok cleaning trend will ruin your pipes - Don't do it
A plumber visit can cost anywhere from $175 to $450. If you don’t have that money lying around, you should have a chat with your TikTok-loving grandkids before they come to visit. A viral TikTok pipe cleaning trend could destroy your home’s sewage disposal system.
Add a little ambiance to your home with these 13 upgrades
When you look around your home, does it make you feel relaxed? Comfortable? Maybe you’ve finally reached a point where you’re living in the lap of luxury.
No? Well, saddle up because all it takes is a new set of curtains here and an area rug there to make your home look radiant.
Kids on social media make more dangerous decisions
Is your child on social? Here’s what you need to know.
Naked photo scam is spreading
There’s a dangerous new scam targeting teenage boys. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect them.
Another example of why TikTok is a danger to America
Do you have a dangerous spy tool for China on your phone? I give you the details, in 60 seconds.
Why Temu and Shein are dangerous
Give up your data for low prices? I tell you why that’s not worth in, in 60 seconds.
Banning TikTok: Communist China bites back
Do you know how dangerous TikTok is? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a quick recap.
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Why do women share nudes and steamy texts?
Sharing your nudes is dangerous for your privacy. So why do so many people share their naked pictures? Here’s the surprising reason why, in 60 seconds.
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Scary new malware is spreading
Did you know that login prompts can be dangerous? Here’s how hackers can trick you, in one minute.
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Before you scan a random QR code, read this warning
Quick Response codes, or QR codes, can be helpful to direct mobile phone users to a website quickly. You don’t need to remember the URL, as you only need to point your phone’s camera at the uniquely-generated square.
The danger of third-party apps
Did you know built-in third-party apps can make your car do all sorts of things? Listen to this one-minute podcast to find out how this can be dangerous.
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We finally have a way to stop kids online
How do you protect kids from dangerous content on the internet? Listen now to learn about a few laws that could save our kids.
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Check your phone! 24 apps that contain the dangerous Joker malware
Earlier last month, nasty malware was making the rounds, giving hackers access to all kinds of personal information. Called Joker, it was embedded into several Android apps and overwrote the operating system’s notifications.
These old iPhones are very dangerous to use
With all the manufactured hype and excitement of the new iPhone 12 coming in fewer than two weeks, let’s look at older, obsolete iPhones that pose a danger to users.
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What you should know about the toxic substance sold as a 'miracle cure'
It should go without saying that products claiming to be “miracle cures” are usually anything but, especially during this pandemic. Were it so easy to fix a range of health conditions like cancer, HIV or COVID-19 with a simple tonic or pill, doctors wouldn’t be making the kind of money they do, would they?