Eating Eraser: What will Happen?
Short Answer: If you accidentally eat an eraser, you may experience abdominal problems, such as stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting, and you may need medical attention. An eraser is a piece of rubber attached to the end of a pencil or sold separately as a block or a cap. It is used to remove marks from paper or skin, such as pencil or ink marks. An eraser is usually made of synthetic rubber and other additives, such as pumice, water, ethanol, acetone, sodium stearate, polyethylene glycol, and N-vinylpyrrolidone. If you accidentally eat an eraser, you may not experience any serious symptoms, as most erasers are considered fairly nonpoisonous. However, if you eat a large amount of eraser or swallow a whole piece, you may have some abdominal problems, such as stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting. This is because the eraser contains ingredients that are not meant to be ingested and can irritate your digestive system. The ingredients in the eraser can also cause other effects if they enter your body. For example, ethanol and acetone are alcohols that can affect your nervous system and cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Sodium stearate is a soap that can cause diarrhea and dehydration. N-vinylpyrrolidone is a monomer that can polymerize as the eraser dries and form a solid mass that can block your airway or stomach. It is quite uncommon to eat an eraser, as most people know that it is not a food item and that it can be harmful if eaten.
