Most ingestions regarding chalk are related to children and pets eating it. The bright colors and playful environment tempts them to eat small amounts of either sidewalk color chalk or white blackboard chalk. Both kinds of chalk are made from ingredients called calcium carbonate and/or calcium sulfate. Keep in mind that this does not apply to billiards or pool chalk, which can be made from different ingredients.
Small ingestions and tastes are considered completely nontoxic. However in large amounts these ingredients can be very irritating to the stomach and even cause vomiting. Keep in mind that chalk can also be a choking hazard for very young children depending on the size of the chalk.
If you or anyone around you ingest or taste the chalk, simply take the chalk away from them, clean their mouth with a wet cloth and give them some water to drink. If they begin having any symptoms, call the Georgia Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
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