Sneezing powder refers to a group of powders or powder-like substances that induce sneezing when someone is exposed to them. This is usually done as a practical joke or prank to an unsuspecting victim.
Sneezing powders containing Veratrum album alkaloids have been linked to poisoning, including dyspepsia, fainting, bradycardia and hypotension. Children are especially vulnerable.
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Famous quotes containing the words sneezing and/or powder:
“Frau Stöhr ... began to talk about how fascinating it was to cough.... Sneezing was much the same thing. You kept on wanting to sneeze until you simply couldn’t stand it any longer; you looked as if you were tipsy; you drew a couple of breaths, then out it came, and you forgot everything else in the bliss of the sensation. Sometimes the explosion repeated itself two or three times. That was the sort of pleasure life gave you free of charge.”
—Thomas Mann (1875–1955)
“We are powerless,
dust and powder fill our lungs
our bodies blunder
through doors twisted on hinges.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)