Glitter. It’s that ubiquitous, sparkly substance that adds a touch of magic to crafts, makeup, and even food these days. But what happens when that touch of magic takes a trip down your digestive tract? The accidental consumption of glitter, especially by children, is more common than you might think. So, let’s delve into the sparkly truth about what happens when you eat real glitter.
Understanding the Nature of Real Glitter
Before we explore the potential consequences, it’s crucial to understand what real glitter is actually made of. While edible glitter exists (we’ll touch on that later), the glitter used in crafts and decorations is a different beast altogether.
The Composition of Craft Glitter
Most craft glitter is made from microplastics, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These are essentially tiny shards of plastic often coated with metallic elements for added shimmer and color. They are designed to be durable, resistant to degradation, and, unfortunately, not meant for consumption.
Why It’s Not Food
The key takeaway here is that craft glitter is not food. It lacks any nutritional value and is not digestible. Its sharp edges and non-biodegradable nature pose potential risks to the digestive system. The coating, often metallic, can also introduce harmful substances into your body.
The Immediate Aftermath of Glitter Ingestion
So, you’ve accidentally consumed a sprinkle of real glitter. What happens next? Let’s break down the immediate potential effects.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
The most common immediate consequence is likely to be gastrointestinal discomfort. The sharp, irregular edges of glitter particles can irritate the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This irritation can manifest as:
- A scratchy or burning sensation in the throat.
- Stomach cramps or aches.
- Nausea.
Possible Choking Hazard
For young children, glitter poses a choking hazard. The small particles can easily be inhaled, leading to coughing, wheezing, and potentially even respiratory distress. Immediate intervention may be necessary if a child is struggling to breathe after inhaling glitter.
The Journey Through Your Digestive System
Once glitter enters your digestive system, it embarks on a journey that isn’t exactly a smooth ride.
Glitter’s Indigestibility
As we established, real glitter is not digestible. Your body doesn’t possess the enzymes necessary to break down these plastic particles. This means the glitter will remain largely intact as it travels through your digestive tract.
Potential for Irritation and Micro-Tears
As the glitter moves along, its sharp edges can continue to irritate the sensitive lining of your intestines. This can potentially lead to micro-tears or abrasions in the intestinal walls. While these are typically small and heal on their own, repeated or excessive glitter ingestion could exacerbate the damage.
The Exit Strategy
Ultimately, the glitter will be expelled from your body through your stool. You might even notice a sparkly surprise in the toilet bowl. The duration of this process can vary depending on individual factors such as metabolism and digestive health.
Long-Term Concerns About Glitter Ingestion
While a single accidental ingestion of a small amount of glitter is unlikely to cause severe or lasting harm, repeated or excessive exposure raises some long-term concerns.
Accumulation and Potential Toxicity
Over time, the accumulation of microplastics in the body can become a concern. While research is still ongoing, some studies suggest that microplastics can leach chemicals and potentially disrupt hormone function. The metallic coatings on glitter can also introduce trace amounts of heavy metals into the body.
Environmental Impact Inside You
The very qualities that make glitter environmentally unfriendly also make it potentially problematic inside the human body. It doesn’t break down easily, leading to prolonged exposure and the potential for inflammation or other adverse reactions.
Differentiating Real Glitter from Edible Glitter
It’s crucial to distinguish between real craft glitter and edible glitter, which is designed for consumption.
Composition of Edible Glitter
Edible glitter is typically made from ingredients like:
- Sugar.
- Cornstarch.
- Food-grade colorings.
These ingredients are all digestible and generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
How to Tell the Difference
The easiest way to tell the difference is to check the label. Edible glitter will be clearly marked as such and will list its ingredients. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it.
What to Do If You’ve Eaten Real Glitter
Accidents happen. If you or your child has ingested real glitter, here’s what you should do:
Assess the Situation
First, assess the amount of glitter ingested and the person’s condition. A small sprinkle is generally less concerning than a large quantity. Look for any signs of choking, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain.
Stay Calm and Monitor
In most cases, the best course of action is to stay calm and monitor the situation. Encourage the person to drink plenty of water to help flush the glitter through their system.
Contact a Medical Professional
If you observe any of the following symptoms, contact a doctor or poison control center immediately:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling).
Document the Incident
Keep a record of when the glitter was ingested, how much was ingested (if possible to determine), and any symptoms that develop. This information can be helpful if you need to seek medical advice.
Preventing Glitter Ingestion in the First Place
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of glitter ingestion, especially among children:
Supervise Glitter Use
Always supervise children when they are using glitter in crafts or activities.
Choose Glitter Alternatives
Consider using glitter alternatives, such as:
- Large confetti shapes.
- Sequins (under supervision).
- Non-toxic paint for adding shimmer.
Store Glitter Safely
Keep glitter stored in a secure location out of reach of children. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent accidental spills.
Educate Children
Teach children that real glitter is not food and should never be put in their mouths.
The Bottom Line: A Little Sparkle, a Lot of Caution
While a small amount of accidentally ingested real glitter is unlikely to cause serious harm, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to prevent glitter ingestion, especially in children. Differentiate clearly between craft glitter and edible glitter, and when in doubt, choose alternatives. Staying informed and taking preventative measures can help keep the sparkle where it belongs: on crafts and decorations, not in your digestive system. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to glitter mishaps.
Is all glitter safe to eat?
No, not all glitter is safe to eat. Edible glitter, which is specifically manufactured for consumption, is made from ingredients like sugar, cornstarch, and food-grade colorants. It’s designed to pass through the digestive system without causing harm. Regular craft glitter, on the other hand, is typically made from plastics or metals and is absolutely not intended for consumption.
Consuming craft glitter can lead to various health issues. The sharp edges of plastic or metal glitter can cause irritation and potential damage to the digestive tract. Furthermore, craft glitter may contain toxic chemicals that are harmful if ingested. Always check the label before consuming any glitter-like substance and ensure it is specifically labeled as “edible.”
What happens if you accidentally eat craft glitter?
If you accidentally ingest a small amount of craft glitter, the first step is not to panic. Monitor yourself for any immediate symptoms like throat irritation, nausea, or abdominal discomfort. Drinking plenty of water can help to dilute the glitter and potentially ease its passage through your digestive system.
However, if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent abdominal pain, or vomiting, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. While a small amount may pass without significant harm, larger quantities or glitter containing particularly harmful materials could pose a serious health risk. Contacting poison control is also advisable in such scenarios.
What is edible glitter made of?
Edible glitter is crafted from food-grade ingredients that are safe for human consumption. Common components include sugar, typically granulated sugar that is finely processed, cornstarch, used as a binding agent and to add texture, and food-grade colorings, which provide the sparkle and vibrant hues. These colorings are approved for use in food by regulatory agencies like the FDA.
Manufacturers often use different combinations and ratios of these ingredients to achieve various textures, colors, and levels of sparkle. Some edible glitters may also contain gum arabic, a natural gum derived from acacia trees, which helps to stabilize the mixture. Always check the ingredient list on the packaging to ensure you are aware of exactly what you are consuming.
Can eating craft glitter cause long-term health problems?
While a single small ingestion of craft glitter might not cause immediate, severe health problems, repeated or significant exposure can potentially lead to long-term issues. The persistent irritation caused by the sharp edges of plastic or metal glitter can damage the digestive tract lining over time. This irritation can result in chronic inflammation or even scarring.
Furthermore, the toxic chemicals that are often present in craft glitter, such as heavy metals or phthalates, can accumulate in the body with repeated exposure. This accumulation can potentially lead to a variety of health problems, including organ damage, neurological issues, and even an increased risk of certain cancers. Therefore, avoiding the ingestion of craft glitter is crucial for safeguarding long-term health.
How can I tell the difference between edible and non-edible glitter?
The easiest and most reliable way to differentiate between edible and non-edible glitter is to carefully read the product label. Edible glitter will be explicitly labeled as “edible,” “food-grade,” or “safe for consumption.” The ingredient list will also consist of food-based components like sugar, cornstarch, and food colorings.
Non-edible glitter, such as craft glitter, will typically be labeled as “for craft use only” or “not intended for consumption.” Its ingredient list will likely include materials like plastic (PET or PVC), metal, or epoxy resins. If the glitter lacks a clear label or ingredient list, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume it is not safe to eat.
Is it safe for children to use craft glitter?
Craft glitter poses a potential hazard for children, primarily due to the risk of accidental ingestion or inhalation. Young children, especially, are prone to putting things in their mouths, making craft glitter a choking hazard and a source of potential toxicity. Additionally, the fine particles of glitter can easily become airborne and irritate the eyes or respiratory system.
When children are using craft glitter, close supervision is essential to ensure they do not ingest or inhale it. Consider using glitter glue sticks instead of loose glitter, as they minimize the risk of airborne particles. It’s also important to thoroughly wash hands after using glitter and to store glitter products out of reach of children when not in use. Opting for glitter alternatives made from natural materials, such as salt or sugar, when possible is a safer choice for children’s activities.
What are some safe alternatives to glitter for decorations?
If you’re looking for safe and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional glitter for decorations, there are several options available. One popular choice is sugar crystals, which can be easily colored with food coloring to create a sparkling effect. Crushed candy, such as hard candies or lollipops, also provides a vibrant and edible shimmer.
Other alternatives include edible metallic dusts, which are finely ground powders made from food-grade ingredients that create a luster effect. For non-edible decorations, consider using biodegradable glitter made from cellulose, or natural materials like dried flower petals, colored sand, or finely shredded paper. These alternatives offer a safer and more environmentally conscious way to add sparkle to your projects.