Digging up the Dirt on Dirt

What are dirt and soil? How is soil formed?

Soil and dirt are not the same thing. The thin layer of material covering the surface of earth is soil. Although soil has dirt in it, soil also contains minerals, nutrients, organic material (dead and living organisms), air, and water. Soil is formed by the weathering of rocks. Plants can grow in soil but not in dirt. The type and the amount of soil in an area depends on the climate, the organisms present, parent material (also known as geological material), and topography.

What is dirt made of? Can you eat soil?

Dirt is a mix of sand, silt, clay, rocks, pebbles, and other substances. It’s unclean matter lacking in the minerals and nutrients found in soil. Although soil contains minerals and nutrients, you cannot eat soil or dirt.

What happens if you eat dirt or soil?

Eating dirt or soil can cause an upset stomach. Eating them repeatedly over an extended period can lead to digestive problems such as constipation, and infection by bacteria and parasites. If there are heavy metals (such as lead, mercury, or arsenic) present in the dirt, heavy metal poisoning can occur with repeated consumption. Likewise, chronically eating dirt or soil containing a large amount of potassium can lead to high potassium in the blood, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Repeatedly eating dirt or soil can also cause anemia.

Why do some people eat dirt or soil during pregnancy?

Some pregnant women, as well as others with an eating disorder known as pica, crave non-food items including dirt and clay. While the reason is unclear, the craving may be related to hormone changes and/or iron deficiencies experienced during pregnancy. 

What should I do if my child eats dirt or soil?

First, don’t worry. Medical problems due to eating dirt mostly occur when people eat dirt chronically. If your child did not cough or choke on the dirt, they should be fine. Wipe out the mouth with a damp cloth to get the remaining dirt out, rinse the mouth, and give your child something to drink. 

If someone swallows dirt or soil or gets it in the eyes, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist

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