Toxicity: None or minimally toxic in small amounts.
Expected symptoms: Minor stomach upset is possible.
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 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions
CAUTION: Eating pool or billiard chalk can be different than school and blackboard chalk because it may also contain lead. If you find your child eating this kind of chalk please call the Missouri Poison Center right away for specific information.