Chalk

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Most calls about children eating chalk involve 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. It is considered non-toxic in small amounts. If large amounts are eaten, it can be irritating to the stomach and cause vomiting. It can be a choking hazard for very young children in serious incidents.

If you find your child eating this substance, do not panic. Take it 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: Pool or billiard chalk can be different from school and blackboard chalk because it may also contain lead. If you find your child eating this kind, please call the Missouri Poison Center right away for specific information.

If you would like to find out more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible poison exposures, visit our First Aid for Poisoning page. Learn more about the four different routes of posing that can occur and how to react to each. We have first-aid videos in the event of swelling, skin contact, eye exposure, or inhalation.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.