Pencil erasers

Definition:
This poisoning is caused by swallowing a pencil eraser.

Where Found:
  • Pencil erasers
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Call Poison Control for further information.
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:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the poison container with you to the emergency room.
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 nontoxic, recovery is likely.

Review Date: 2/2/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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