Snot Science

Things To Know About Boogers

Boogers (dried nasal mucus) are made of dried mucus, dust, pollen, dirt and germs. They help trap viruses and bacterias, preventing them from entering our airways.

This passage is from the book “Kay’s Anatomy” by Adam Kay. A terrific book for children to learn about the human body and its functions, featuring Henry Parker’s delightful illustrations.

SNOT

” If your nose’s main job is smelling, then its second job is making snot. Snot is actually very important – it’s a thin layer of sticky gunk that your nose lines itself with so it can trap any bits of dust or pollution that are lurking in the air. Some of this mucus will find its way down to the bottom of your nostrils and dry up in the air – this is known as boogers or delicious midmorning snacks.

I could tell you that you shouldn’t really eat your boogers because of the horrible germs and stuff that are trapped in them, and that your nose by sticking your fingers inside, but who am I kidding? You’re probably still going to do it anyway. And when grown-ups tell you off for it, remember that nine out of ten adults admit to doing it too. And the tenth one is probably lying. While there are no specific benefits to eating boogers (they don’t contain any vitamins, sorry), they probably won’t do you any harm either. I mean, I wouldn’t recommend them as your main source of food. Just wash your hands before and after, and don’t rummage around like you are trying to dig into Australia. Oh, and never offer to make me a sandwich.

If you’re ill, or allergic to something, or if it’s cold outside, your nose increases its production of mucus. When that happens, sometimes snot will trickle out the end of your nose, like an overflowing bath. Hopefully, it will find its way into a tissue (but more realistically, it will find its way onto the sleeve of your jacket).”

Snot Fun Facts

The speed of sneezing is around 100 mph, which is faster than a cheetah’s maximum speed!
Iguanas are the sneeziest animal on the planet!
The scientific word for nos picking is rhinotillexis (Greek; rhino- nose, tillexis- the habit of picking).
People picking their nose on average about four times a day!
We swallow most of our snot unconsciously.

It’s not how you pick your nose, it’s where you put that booger that counts.
Tre Cool

Boogers And Health

Stop picking your nose! Nose-picking can introduce harmful substances to the nasal cavity, which can spread to other surfaces. Forceful nose-picking can cause nasal tissue damage, leading to nosebleeds and even affect our sense of smell. It’s best to avoid nose-picking altogether or do it gently to reduce the risk of harm.

Drink more water! Did you know that your sinuses can create as much as 8.5 cups (2 liters) of mucus every day? That’s actually the same amount of water you’re recommended to drink daily! So if you have dry boogers, drink more water.

Boogers FAQ

What is the difference between snot and boogers?

Snot is the slimy substance found inside our nose, airways, and digestive tract. When we inhale dry air through our nose, the mucus dries and forms boogers.

What is snot made of?

Snot is made up of 95% of water and full of beneficial antibodies.

Why do we get a runny nose in cold weather?

Cold air can cause a runny nose as the nose tries to warm it up before it reaches the lungs.

Why does snot change colors?

If it is yellow or green, it means you have a simple viral infection but is it is brown then it gives a hint of dry or irritated nostrils.

Do boogers have calories?

About 25 calories in a half cup of snot.

Booger Jokes

Snot Slime Recipes

Recipes for making fake snot at home

Snot is mainly made up of sugars and protein. These are the same ingredients used to create fake snot. The protein strands inside the fake snot make it sticky and stretchy when moved around. Gooey snot strands are formed when the protein from gelatin and sugar from corn syrup combine.