Short Answer: If you accidentally eat drywall, you may have gastrointestinal issues, tooth damage, choking, or blockages in your digestive tract.
Drywall is a common building material used in homes and buildings around the world.
It is made of gypsum plaster, paper, and additives such as mica, clay, and resin.
If you accidentally eat drywall, you may experience gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
You may also damage your teeth and gums, choke or have breathing difficulties, or develop blockages in your digestive tract.
This is because drywall contains calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is a hard and abrasive substance that can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, and cause mechanical obstruction or perforation.
Drywall may also contain chemicals or contaminants that can be harmful if ingested, such as silica, mold, or sulfurous gases.
It is quite uncommon to eat drywall due to its unpleasant taste and texture.
However, some people may have a condition called pica, which causes them to crave and consume non-food items, such as drywall, dirt, and paint chips.
Pica may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, mental health disorders, developmental disorders, or brain injuries.
You can seek medical attention if you eat drywall and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
You may need to have an X-ray or endoscopy to check for any blockages or damage in your digestive tract.
You may also need to have blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies or infections.
To avoid accidental eating of drywall, you should store it away from food items and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
You should also wear a mask, gloves, and goggles when working with drywall to prevent inhaling or swallowing the dust.
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Finally, remember, drywall is not edible and can cause serious health problems if eaten.
If you have a craving for drywall or any other non-food item, you should talk to your doctor about possible causes and treatments.
