Can Glue Kill You? What Happens If You Eat Glue?

Glue is used in almost every household for various purposes, from fixing broken items to holding materials together in art and craft projects. Because of how common it is to use glue, it’s easy to forget that some kinds of glue contain toxic chemical substances that might lead to life-threatening health problems.

So, can glue kill you? Glue can kill you if you ingest extremely large amounts of the substance as the glue will solidify and block your airway and digestive tract. Once you eat glue, you will start to experience some side effects such as difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If these symptoms are left untreated, it could possibly lead to death.

Keep reading to learn more about what kinds of glue are safe and what happens if you eat glue.

What Kind of Glue Is Safe to Eat?

a single drop of glue to answer can glue kill you

No kind of glue is safe to eat. However, some kinds of glue are considered to be less toxic than others.

White glue or school glue is mainly made of PVA and water. It’s considered to be a non-toxic glue and won’t cause any serious health issues if ingested in small amounts.

Meanwhile, super glue contains various harmful chemicals such as cyanoacrylate, toluene, and xylene ethanol. These chemicals can lead to serious health issues if they’re ingested in any amount.

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a type of glue is safe to eat, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not ingest it. Glue was not designed to be edible, it doesn’t taste good, and it doesn’t provide any kind of nutritional value.

What Happens If You Eat Glue?

If you eat any kind of glue, you will start to experience various side effects. The severity of these side effects will depend mainly on the amount of glue you eat and if you swallow any of it.

If you eat a small amount of the glue, it’s likely that you will not swallow any of it and it will only remain stuck to your teeth or the inside of your mouth where it will start to bond and solidify.

However, if you eat a larger amount of glue, it’s more likely that you will swallow some of it which means that the glue will start to bond and harden while it’s in your throat and digestive tract.

This can lead to the possibility of the glue getting stuck in your airway causing difficulties in breathing or even choking. It could also lead to sticking the walls of your intestines together causing abdominal pain and severe indigestion followed by vomiting and diarrhea as your body tries to expel the toxic substances.

If these symptoms persist without treatment, it might eventually lead to long-term health problems or even death. You can also learn what happens if you eat super glue here.

What to Do If You Eat Glue?

If you get any amount of glue in your mouth, it’s a good idea to immediately spit it out and rinse your mouth with water before the glue starts to bond.

If the glue is already stuck to the inside of your mouth cavity, tongue, or teeth, it’s recommended to eat peanut butter or drink some vinegar to soften the glue before spitting it out. Try not to swallow any amount of the glue to avoid causing more severe damage.

If the glue remains stuck to the inside of your mouth cavity or if you accidentally swallow some of it, it’s highly recommended to seek a doctor immediately.

Related Questions

What Happens If You Inhale Glue?

Inhaling glue can cause various health issues. It can cause a temporary sense of euphoria which can lead to addiction which could eventually lead to weakening the immune system and causing long-term lung damage. It can also cause symptoms like frequent headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

What Happens If Glue Gets in Your Eyes?

If glue gets in your eyes, it will cause an intense stinging sensation. It’s recommended to rinse your eyes with water immediately. If your eyelids are stuck, do not force them open or use any chemicals to dissolve the glue. Apply warm compresses over or gently dab your eyelids with cotton pads soaked in coconut oil your eye to soften the glue.

Helpful Resources 

Glue – Missouri Poison Center

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