What if my child ate chalk

What to do: Wipe the mouth out with a wet washcloth and give your child some water to wash the chalk down into the stomach. Most calls about children eating chalk involves them eating small taste amounts of either sidewalk color chalk or white blackboard chalk used in the classroom.

Both sidewalk and blackboard chalk are made from calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate. Chalk is considered non-toxic in small amounts. If large amounts are eaten, it can be irritating to the stomach and cause vomiting. Chalk can be a choking hazard for very young children. If you find your child eating chalk, do not panic. Take the chalk away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

If you find your child eating this kind of chalk please call the Missouri Poison Center right away for specific information. Call Now. Toxicity: None or minimally toxic in small amounts. Expected symptoms: Minor stomach upset is possible. Sometimes they eat things that can lead to health problems.

Most cases of pica happen in young children and pregnant women. It's normal for kids up to 2 years old to put things in their mouth. So the behavior isn't usually considered a disorder unless a child is older than 2. Pica usually improves as kids get older.

But for people with developmental or mental health concerns, it can still be a problem later in life. Doctors can help parents manage and stop pica-related behaviors. For example, they can work with parents on ways to prevent kids from getting the non-food things they eat. They may recommend childproof locks and high shelving to keep items out of reach. Poison Information Toxicity Level. Usually Nontoxic. Also Known As. What It Is. Chalk is used for drawing and coloring.

It is readily washable. Chalk contains calcium salts. There are usually no symptoms from eating chalk in small amounts. What To Do.