This question comes from a friend who wants to know if he can grind glass into powder and inhale it. He says that he's heard people do it and that it works great!
The answer is yes, you can grind glass into powder, and yes, it's safe. Glass is actually a type of mineral called silica, and it's not harmful at all. In fact, it's good for your body. Silica is present in many foods, including grains, nuts, beans, and vegetables. It helps keep bones strong and teeth healthy.
You may have seen some people grinding glass into powder and then using it as a nasal spray. This is done for two reasons. First, glass is a natural desiccant (a drying agent), meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. When you use glass to dry herbs, it removes the water content from them, making them easier to smoke. Second, glass is hygroscopic (it attracts water). So when you put glass in your nose, it draws moisture out of your sinuses and throat, helping you breathe much easier.
There are several ways to make glass into powder. You can use a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, or even a blender. If you want to get really fancy, you can buy a high-powered electric drill and turn glass into powder. But don't worry about getting fancy; just remember to wear gloves and goggles while doing this.
If you're wondering whether glass is toxic, the short answer is no. Glass is inert, meaning it doesn't react chemically with anything else. It's also nonreactive, meaning it won't combine with any chemicals. However, glass does dissolve in acid. So if you accidentally swallow glass, drink plenty of water right away. And if you think you might have swallowed glass, call 911 immediately.