Pencil “lead” is not actually lead, but is a soft mineral called graphite, bound together with clay and wax. Don’t get it confused with real lead that might be found in paint chips from homes built before 1978, weights for fishing lines or curtains, decorated pottery, and other sources. If you think a child has swallowed something with real lead in it, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or the child’s pediatrician right away.
The lead in colored art pencils is a pigment instead of graphite, held together by wax, oil, or resin. These pigments are chemicals that are generally considered non-toxic in pencil amounts.
Colored pencils might stain the mouth or skin, but that is harmless and will wear off by itself.
If a person is stabbed by a pencil a piece of lead can break off under the skin. This can cause a permanent colored or blue-grey mark but it is not harmful. Also, the pencil wound can get infected if it is not kept clean.
If you find your child has sucked or chewed on a pencil, do not panic. Take the pencil away from them, wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink.
If a child draws on their skin with a pencil or other marker, wash it off with soap and water. Do not scrub to try to get it off – the scrubbing itself could hurt the skin.
If someone is stabbed by a pencil, wash the area with soap and water and cover with a band aid. Call the poison center or the child’s doctor for medical advice. A doctor will probably need to see deep stab wounds that go further than the skin, and any that are close to the eyes.
If you have questions or want some help watching this, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for problems and questions just like this.
FAQs
During the 1600's, no one knew the chemical nature of this material, as chemistry itself was still in its infancy. Since this writing material behaved similar to metallic lead, but had a darker color, people began calling it "black lead". Eventually, the name of the core of the pencil got shortened to "lead".
When did pencils switch from lead to graphite? ›
However, even though writing pencils made of graphite were first used around 1565, writing pencils that used lead were still in very common use in the 18th century. Why? Because they were cheaper, even if they were toxic. But, you certainly wouldn't want to suck on a "lead" pencil if it really had lead in it.
What is the difference between lead and pencil? ›
Here's a myth buster: There is no lead in pencils. Rather, the core is made up of a non-toxic mineral called graphite. The common name “pencil lead” is due to an historic association with the stylus made of lead in ancient Roman times.
Is pencil lead still toxic? ›
Important. Pencil “lead” is actually graphite which is safe and non-toxic.
Was a pencil ever lead? ›
Did You Know? This may come as a shock to some people but lead pencils do not contain any lead. Never did. The “lead” actually is a mixture of graphite and clay; the more graphite, the softer and darker the point.
Why were lead pencils banned? ›
Lead was outlawed in the United States as an ingredient in paint in 1978. If someone chewed a pencil before this ban went into effect, he could have been exposed to lead. So if you find an old pencil in your grandfather's attic, don't bite it! Bennett is a Washington pediatrician.
Why did they lick the pencil lead? ›
The old material of solid graphite was very dense and did not leave much of a mark on the paper. In order to leave a clear mark on the paper, people would wet or lick the end of a pencil to make it flow like a pen. A car carved into the lead of a pencil by artist Chien-Chu Lee.
When did they stop putting lead in paint? ›
The use of lead paint in homes was banned in 1978.
What does the B stand for in pencils? ›
The degree of hardness of a pencil is printed on the pencil.
The degrees of hardness of pencils are roughly divided into four groups: B stands for "black". These pencils are soft. H stands for "hard". HB stands for "hard black", which means "medium hard".
Is graphite toxic to humans? ›
Graphite is relatively nonpoisonous. There may be no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include stomachache and vomiting, which could be from a bowel obstruction (blockage). The person may choke while swallowing the pencil.
The F pencil grade means Fine. This pencil is hard which means that it maintains a fine point.
What does 6B mean on a pencil? ›
A 6B pencil makes a much coarser mark than an H pencil. The bottom sample is a 6B pencil with a layer of H pencil over it. A hard pencil will be more suitable for very subtle transitions in value and a smooth effect. A soft pencil can create deeper darks but cannot create a smooth application.
What does graphite do to your body? ›
Excessive exposure to graphite dust over extended periods of time can cause a chronic and more serious condition known as Graphitosis, which is a form of pneumoconiosis. This condition arises when inhaled particles of graphite are retained in the lungs and bronchi.
Is it bad to lick pencil lead? ›
Eating graphite or pencil material is unlikely to cause any symptoms. If your child ate pencil lead, give them a few sips of water. Any skin stains should wash off with soap and water.
Is graphite worse than lead? ›
No, graphite is used for pencil lead, which is misleading since it contains no lead. Lead is very toxic, but it doesn't go into solution easily.
Do mechanical pencils actually use lead? ›
A mechanical pencil or clutch pencil is a pencil with a replaceable and mechanically extendable solid pigment core called a "lead" /ˈlɛd/. The lead, often made of graphite, is not bonded to the outer casing, and the user can mechanically extend it as its point is worn away from use.
Why is graphite called black lead? ›
Graphite is also known as "blacklead" due to its black color and being used in pencil leads.
Why are they called #2 pencils? ›
"No. 2 was the one that was a happy medium between being too hard and being too soft." said Petroski. That number two rating is based on a scale for hardness: 1, 2, 3, or 4. That scale was created by American poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau when he was working at his family's pencil factory.
What is the so called lead of a pencil made of? ›
Pencil lead is made up of graphite which is a form of carbon.
