A member asked:

I have a habit of eating graphite pencil leads since 1 year.i just open the wooden coating of pencil with my mouth and eat the lead inside it.by eating pencil leads,is there any problem in future like cancer?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

The "lead" of pencils is an inert material called graphite. You poop it out in your stool like other indigestible debris. I know of no studies that looked at the long term ingestion of this material nor would I expect them to be done in the near future. Eat at your own risk.

Answered 4/12/2023

0 views

Thank
Dr. Andrew Seibert answered

Specializes in Gastroenterology

Pencil lead is actually a mixture of graphite and clay, which is dried. It is relatively non-harmful and will not cause cancer. good luck.

Answered 4/12/2023

0 views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more