Family Learning Center

Dangers of Eating Drywall: PICA

Some people 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. 

Drywall is also known as plasterboard or wallboard, a common building material made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between layers of plaster paper, and additives as mica, clay, and resin. Drywall contain chemicals and contaminants that are harmful when ingested, as silica, mold, or sulfurous gases. Eating drywall can cause gastrointestinal problems; abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, damage to teeth and gums, choking, breathing difficulties or develop blockages in the digestive tract. Drywall contains calcium sulfate dihydrate, a hard and abrasive substance that can irritate the lining of the stomach, intestines, and cause obstruction or perforation. Due to texture and metallic taste of drywall, eating it is not common. It is essential to understand that ingesting drywall can have severe consequences for your health and well-being.

Drywall ingestion can have severe health consequences, common symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingesting drywall can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be a result of the body’s reaction to the foreign substance.
• Coughing and Wheezing: The dust particles from drywall can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be more pronounced with a pre-existing respiratory condition, such as asthma.
• Throat Irritation: Drywall particles can irritate the throat, causing a scratchy or sore throat.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Prolonged drywall ingestion can lead to unintentional weight loss. Drywall does not provide any nutritional value to the body, and the body may struggle to absorb nutrients properly.

One of the main dangers of ingesting drywall is its chemical composition. Gypsum, the primary component of drywall, contains high levels of silica. When ingested, silica can accumulate in the lungs and cause a condition known as silicosis; a progressive, irreversible lung disease that can lead to respiratory failure and even death. In addition to silicosis, consuming drywall can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The paper layer of drywall contains trace amounts of toxic chemicals, as formaldehyde and heavy metals. Ingesting these substances can cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Prolonged exposure to these toxic chemicals can also have long-term effects on the liver and kidneys. A person eating drywall, should seek medical attention to have an X-ray or endoscopy check for any blockages or damage in the digestive tract and to have blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies or infections.