Dogs chewing on components can be pretty damaging, as well. I know they look like good chew toys (some of those conversion cables look like contemporary versions of tug-a-war ropes), but you're better off with a handful of dollar store items.
apokalypse (or anyone else for that matter), could dangerous ESD be caused by small plastic objects such as the afore mentioned plastic glitter (had a class where someone used the crap for a large class project that I eneded up compiling - got it all over me)? I am very much hoping not...
anything rubbing against another object of a different material will produce static electricity, if that's what you're asking. I don't know what the "dangerous" level for PC components is though.
