I'm going to do something. I NEED TO know if it's safe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety of swallowing neodymium magnets, particularly in the context of performing magic tricks. Participants explore the potential risks and effects of ingesting these magnets, including concerns about toxicity, physical harm, and the implications of their magnetic properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in swallowing a neodymium magnet for magic tricks but seeks feedback on safety.
  • Several participants warn against the dangers of swallowing magnets, citing potential harm during digestion and the risk of sharp edges.
  • Concerns are raised about the toxicity of neodymium and its reactions with stomach acids, with some participants questioning the safety of ingestion.
  • Some participants suggest that the magnetic field of the swallowed magnet would not be strong enough to have significant effects outside the body.
  • There are humorous remarks about the potential consequences of the act, including references to Darwin awards and physical injuries.
  • Participants discuss the use of magnets in cows to prevent hardware ingestion, drawing parallels to the human situation.
  • Technical details about neodymium's chemical properties and its reaction with hydrochloric acid are mentioned, though uncertainty remains about the implications of these reactions.
  • Some participants speculate on the motivations behind the act, suggesting curiosity or attention-seeking behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the safety of swallowing neodymium magnets, with multiple competing views and concerns expressed throughout the discussion. Some participants advocate against the act, while others appear to support it humorously or with skepticism.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the toxicity of neodymium, the safety of swallowing magnets, and the potential for physical harm. The discussion includes varying levels of technical understanding and personal anecdotes, which may affect the reliability of the claims made.

  • #31
Averagesupernova said:
Cows will be given magnets to attract any hardware (nails, etc.) that they may have ingested. However, I doubt they are ever given more than one at a time. If I'm not mistaken, they often stay in the stomach.
I was going to point out the same thing. Though, no, they aren't intended to pass beyond the stomach of cows. They remain in the stomach chamber known as the rumen, and are intended to keep bits of things like baling wire that wind up mixed in the hay from puncturing the intestines. Then again, cows don't get to live as long as people do. :rolleyes:
 
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  • #32
Neodymium tarnishes in air, forming an oxide form that splits and exposes to further oxidation. The coated form does not protect the metal from further oxidation (it must be stored away from contact with air). The metal is also attacked by water and by acids.
http://www.chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/inorganic/NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE.htm

Nd+HCl(aq)-->NdCl3 which is very soluble in water, 96.5g/100ml.

However, Nd magnets have a thin coating of some sort to prevent oxidation. I'm not sure what it is and how long it lasts in dilute HCl.
 
  • #33
tribdog said:
I think I can affect a compass from that distance.
Tell me what happens when they roll you into the ER and take a MRI scan :rolleyes: there are other places to put the magnet in order to affect a compass! or are you planning to do the trick butt-naked?
 
  • #34
You S.O.B.s I've been stuck to the side of the refridgerator for the last 7 hours and no one came to check on me.
 
  • #35
I bet if you get a really strong magnet, and glue it to right outside your anus, in two days a magnet will come flying out.
 
  • #36
Hopefully there are some ladies who've swallowed iron(steel) stuff[/size] to find him attractive!
 
  • #37
When it's ready to come out, a wrench is certainly going to hit you in the @$$!
 
  • #38
rachmaninoff said:
http://www.chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/inorganic/NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE.htm
Nd+HCl(aq)-->NdCl3 which is very soluble in water, 96.5g/100ml.
However, Nd magnets have a thin coating of some sort to prevent oxidation. I'm not sure what it is and how long it lasts in dilute HCl.
Nd magnets usually have a nickel coating to protect them since the actual magnet material is very brittle.
I had/have some Nd magnets which I kept to near where I keep my Hydrochloric acid bottle. The fumes escaping from the HCl bottle ate away the coating, exposing the Nd-B-I magnet beneath.
 
  • #39
You know, I'd be more worried about what the magnet could do to your insides. If you sit close enough to something metal, couldn't it just rip through your stomach/intestines to get to the inside of your skin?
 
  • #40
tribdog said:
You S.O.B.s I've been stuck to the side of the refridgerator for the last 7 hours and no one came to check on me.


Whew, he's alive.

You didn't do it, did you?
 
  • #41
franznietzsche said:
Whew, he's alive.
You didn't do it, did you?
no,, i thought about it though
 
  • #42
Its not going to do anything to you. Magnetic fields can travel through your body, and do all the time. Its not going to do anything. Just don't put more than one down there.
 
  • #43
is that a dare?
 
  • #44
Well, if you want two of them to get suck together with a piece of your intestine inbetween them, then by all means go ahead.

P.S. I found out how to do the fill the soda can back up trick on the david blane thread. Its sick.
 
  • #45
yeah. well I can do all of his card tricks.
back to the magnets. I didn't swallow one, so I stuck one up my nose instead I can stick things to my head now.
 
  • #46
I want to pic!
 
  • #47
pic or pick?
 
  • #48
pic



character limit
 
  • #49
Scroll to bottom of the page.

ack

http://webits3.appstate.edu/apples/health/Body_Art/piercing.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #50
cause if you want to pick something out of my nose, I'll let you
 
  • #51
Evo said:
Scroll to bottom of the page.
ack
http://webits3.appstate.edu/apples/health/Body_Art/piercing.htm


That gave me the shivers...my face hurts just looking at those pics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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