A member asked:

If you stab yourself with a pencil will you get lead poisoning?

16 doctors weighed in across 7 answers

No: No. Actually pencils use graphite now and lead poisoning is not possible. However, whatever you stab could still get infected from bacteria on the end of the pencil or on your skin (that the pencil stabbed through).

Answered 2/24/2018

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No: No, mostly because the 'lead' in a pencil is not the metal, but graphite, which may leave a stain but does not poison.

Answered 9/18/2019

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No: The substance in pencil "lead" is graphite which can not cause lead poisoning.

Answered 2/24/2018

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Dr. Gregory Hines answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

No: There has not been lead in any pencil you have ever used. Unless you happen to be using a pencil made before 1564, they have had graphite. And no, that is not a typo.

Answered 11/18/2018

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No: The so-called "lead" in a pencil actually is harmless graphite, and there is no lead in the paint coating the outside. So no risk. However, i still wouldn't advise stabbing yourself with a pencil.

Answered 3/27/2018

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Dr. Eyal Simchi answered

Specializes in Pediatric Dentistry

No : No the lead in a lead pencil is graphite not lead. Keep the puncture wound clean to prevent infection.

Answered 1/5/2019

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Dr. Gerald Saboe answered

Specializes in Occupational Medicine

No: Modern pencils do not contain lead (pb), as the 'lead' of the pencil is actually a mix of finely ground graphite and clay powders. You may tattoo your skin if you stab yourself with a pencil, but you will not get lead (pb) poisoning.

Answered 10/6/2020

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