Is it safe to eat pencil lead?
Quick Answer
No
Pencil lead is not meant to be ingested. While it’s not toxic, as it’s made from graphite and clay, not lead, it can still cause digestive issues if swallowed.
What Is It?
Pencil lead is the writing core of a pencil, made from a mixture of graphite and clay. Despite its name, it does not contain the toxic metal lead.
Why It Can Be Risky
While pencil lead is not toxic, ingesting it can still pose health risks.
- Choking hazard: Especially for young children, pencil lead can be a choking hazard.
- Digestive issues: If swallowed, pencil lead can cause digestive discomfort or constipation.