Pencil erasers

Definition

This poisoning is caused by swallowing a pencil eraser.

Poisonous Ingredient

Pencil erasers contain a type of rubber. They are usually not harmful.

Where Found

• Pencil erasers

Symptoms

• May cause some intestinal obstruction, resulting in abdominal pain

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The symptoms will be treated if the patient is instructed to go to the emergency room.

Expectations (prognosis)

Since pencil erasers are considered relatively non-poisonous, recovery is likely.