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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Chalk

Q: My kid ate chalk. Is chalk toxic?

Chalk is usually nontoxic. If your child ate a small amount of chalk, give them a few sips of water and watch for symptoms.

Chalk is usually nontoxic .

If your child ate a small amount of chalk, give them a few sips of water and watch for symptoms.

If your child ate billiard chalk, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

This call is free and confidential.

What to know: Chalk

Chalk is also known as sidewalk chalk, school chalk and blackboard chalk.
Chalk can be a choking hazard. If your child is choking on chalk, call 911 immediately.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My kid ate chalk. Is chalk toxic?

Chalk is considered nontoxic if ingested in small amounts and there are usually no symptoms.

Billiard chalk may contain lead, which is highly toxic. If your child ate billiard chalk, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of Poisoning

There are usually no symptoms from eating chalk in small amounts. If your child is not having any symptoms, give them a few sips of water and monitor for vomiting.

If your child starts vomiting, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

Chalk may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got chalk residue or powder in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.