Glitter consists of small, reflective particles designed to add sparkle to crafts, cosmetics, or food decorations. Accidental ingestion of these shimmering specks is a common concern, particularly in households with young children or when decorated baked goods are consumed. Understanding the composition of the glitter is the most important factor in determining the potential health implications of swallowing it.
The Crucial Distinction: Craft Versus Edible Glitter
Safety concerns regarding ingestion hinge entirely on whether the glitter is manufactured for food use or for crafting purposes. Craft glitter is typically composed of non-food-grade materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, mylar, or metalized aluminum flakes. These materials are not chemically approved for consumption and may contain colorants or heavy metals that are not food-safe. While many craft products are labeled “non-toxic,” this designation means the item is not poisonous in small amounts, not that it is safe to eat.
Edible glitter, by contrast, is specifically formulated to be consumed and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. These food-safe products are generally made from ingredients like sugar, acacia (gum arabic), maltodextrin, or cornstarch. To achieve the reflective quality, they often use mica-based pearlescent pigments, which are minerals approved as color additives for food use. Checking a product’s label for ingredients and the word “edible” is the only reliable way to confirm its food-grade status.
Physiological Journey Through the Body
When glitter is swallowed, the body cannot chemically break down the synthetic or mineral components, whether it is craft or edible. The digestive system is designed to process organic matter, meaning plastic, metallic, or mica particles remain largely intact. The process of moving these small, indigestible materials through the gastrointestinal tract is primarily mechanical. Peristaltic contractions, the wave-like muscular movements of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, propel the contents forward.
The glitter first passes through the stomach, where acid does not dissolve the non-organic materials, before moving into the small intestine. In the small intestine, the particles mix with chyme and continue their transit. The large intestine then absorbs water and forms solid waste, ultimately leading to the glitter’s excretion. This journey is similar to how the body processes other small, non-digestible items, such as corn kernels or seeds, and typically takes between 12 and 48 hours.
Assessing Risks of Sharp Edges and Quantity
The primary risks associated with glitter ingestion are mechanical irritation and, in rare circumstances, physical obstruction. Craft glitter is often cut into sharp, hexagonal shapes to maximize reflectivity. These sharp edges can cause transient, mild irritation to the lining of the throat or the upper digestive tract as they pass. However, the small particle size usually prevents any significant damage.
Specific types of craft glitter, particularly those using bronze or copper pigments, present a chemical risk beyond physical irritation. Ingesting a massive quantity of any glitter, such as a full container, introduces the unlikely possibility of an intestinal obstruction. This risk is generally confined to small children or individuals with pre-existing digestive narrowing or motility disorders. Ingestion of a small amount of decorative glitter rarely causes this complication.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most small ingestions of glitter pass without incident, certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Persistent or severe abdominal pain, which goes beyond mild discomfort, is a sign that should not be ignored. Repeated vomiting, particularly if the vomit contains blood, or passing bloody stool suggests irritation or damage to the gastrointestinal lining.
If inhalation is suspected, perhaps due to a coughing or choking fit immediately following exposure, persistent coughing or difficulty breathing requires urgent care. Signs of a rare allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty swallowing, also necessitate emergency attention. When contacting medical professionals, it is helpful to specify the exact type of glitter ingested, if known, to guide their assessment of chemical toxicity versus mechanical irritation.