We’ve stumbled upon numerous posts from people concerned about the possibility of ink poisoning. These worries often arise from writing on the skin with a pen or marker, accidentally jabbing oneself with a pen, or even getting ink in the eyes.
So, we decided to investigate whether pen ink is toxic or poisonous and whether you can actually get ink poisoning from a pen.
💡 For official advice, visit Poison.org, a trusted resource from the U.S. Poison Control Center.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1. Is Pen Ink Poisonous if Swallowed?
- 2. Can You Get Ink Poisoning by Writing on Your Skin with a Pen?
- 3. Sharpie Tattoos: Are They Safe?
- 4. Safe Alternatives for Skin Decoration
- 5. What Happens If You Accidentally Jab Yourself with a Pen?
- 6. Is Pen Ink Toxic?
- 7. Can You Die from Ink Poisoning?
- 8. Symptoms of Ink Exposure
- 9. Ink Poisoning: Myth or Reality?
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Final Thoughts
1. Is Pen Ink Poisonous if Swallowed?
After thorough research, we can confidently say that you cannot get ink poisoning from swallowing a small amount of pen ink.
To feel any symptoms, you’d have to ingest the ink from multiple pens. Even then, it might be uncomfortable, but it’s highly unlikely to be fatal. Most pen ink ingredients used today are low-toxicity and considered safe in small doses.
Bottom line: Accidentally chewing your pen is not a death sentence.
2. Can You Get Ink Poisoning by Writing on Your Skin with a Pen?
We’ve all doodled on our hands at some point. So, is it harmful?
The good news: you won’t get ink poisoning by writing or drawing on your skin with most pens.
According to MedlinePlus, the dyes and solvents in typical ink pens are not considered poisonous. The skin absorption of ink from standard pens is minimal and doesn’t allow toxic substances to enter the bloodstream in harmful amounts.
👉 For more trivia, check out 5 Surprising Ink Facts.
3. Sharpie Tattoos: Are They Safe?
Some Sharpie markers (like fine point markers) are AP-certified and non-toxic, but not all of them are. Certain types contain xylene, a chemical that can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. You can read more about xylene in the CDC’s chemical guide.
Bottom line: Sharpies are not designed for skin. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it’s best to avoid them.
✍️ If you’re a regular Sharpie user, here’s how to rehydrate a dried Sharpie.
4. Safe Alternatives for Skin Decoration
If you’re decorating skin, try these safer options:
- ✅ Uni POSCA markers: Water-based and popular with artists
- ✅ Temporary tattoos: Made for skin use
- ❌ Avoid black henna tattoos: These can contain illegal dyes. Learn more at the British Skin Foundation
For kids, opt for washable markers or non-toxic pens labeled “safe for children.”
For kids, opt for washable markers or non-toxic pens labeled “safe for children.”
👉 Buy Uni Posca Markers on Amazon
👉 Buy Temporary Tattoos on Amazon
5. What Happens If You Accidentally Jab Yourself with a Pen?
If you stab yourself with a pen, don’t panic. Most pen ink is non-toxic.
Clean the area with water and antiseptic cream, and seek medical help if signs of infection appear.
Bottom line: It’s no worse than a minor cut.
🧼 Also read: What to Do If a Pen Explodes in Your Bag or Pocket
6. Is Pen Ink Toxic?
You can check with the Art & Creative Materials Institute to see which writing products are certified non-toxic.
Many pens meet ASTM D-4236 safety standards. The FDA also oversees certain coloring agents used in inks.
🖊️ See our Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Pens & Markers
7. Can You Die from Ink Poisoning?
Death from swallowing regular pen ink is extremely unlikely. According to the WHO and NIH, you’d need to ingest several ounces of industrial ink or solvents.
Bottom line: No, you can’t die from accidentally ingesting pen ink.
8. Symptoms of Ink Exposure
While rare, symptoms may include:
- 👁️ Irritated eyes if ink splashes
- 🤢 Stomach discomfort if swallowed
- 🤲 Mild skin rash in sensitive individuals
Bottom line: Symptoms are usually mild and self-resolving.
9. Ink Poisoning: Myth or Reality?
In most cases, ink poisoning is a myth. It’s virtually impossible with modern consumer pens unless ink is ingested or injected in extreme volume.
Stay informed and cautious — but not alarmed.
📚 Related reads:
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child swallows pen ink?
Stay calm. Contact your doctor or visit Poison.org.
Is pen ink toxic on skin?
Not in small amounts. Most are non-toxic.
Are Sharpies safe for skin?
Some are, but many contain irritants like xylene. Use with caution.
Can ink enter the bloodstream?
Only if injected. Not by writing on skin or a pen jab.
Are gel pens safer than ballpoints?
Similar safety profile. Choose water-based and non-toxic pens when possible.
Is it bad to draw on your skin every day?
Avoid frequent exposure if you have sensitive skin. Use skin-safe alternatives.
Where can I verify if my pens are safe?
Look for ASTM D-4236 certification or check with ACMI.
11. Final Thoughts
Ink poisoning from an everyday pen is highly unlikely. Still, being aware of safe ink use — especially for kids — is always a smart move.
When in doubt, always check labels, look for certified non-toxic products, and use pens as they’re intended.
can writing large tattoos almost daily with copic markers kill you or hurt you?
Thanks now I can tell my best friend that’s it is all right!
Thanks so much! i drew all over my hand a few days ago and my coach said i would get ink poisoning!
Thanks so much. I wasnt worried that i would get ink poisoning but one of my friends “angela” kept saying that writing on myself with pen will kill me. 너 는 안마젔으니깐 신관 꺼
I did a stick and poke with one of these pens, will I get ink poisioning?
I was in class chewing on a pen and it exploded in my mouth it was a pilot g2 pen and I swallowed a little. I don’t feel sick I’m just scared:(
Ok good I draw all over myself in class it’s so boring!!! My friend told me about ink poisoning and i blew it off. But now i wanna be a shadowhunter for halloween and i want to draw all over myself because shadowhunters use runes so is that bad if you draw all over yourself?
Nope, you’ll be fine. Just don’t use permanent marker, or your mom will have a fit.
I was stabbed very hard by a black pen and now my throat really hurts.is this a conicdence?please reply asap i really need to know
Unless you got stabbed in the throat by the pen, I doubt the two are related. But if your throat is hurting that much, it would probably be a good idea to ring your physician.
Phewwwww,
i draw on my hands everyday and thought about it.
luckily i prolly dont have it!
◇♢◇♢
thanks this really helped as I just drew a dragon and flower tattoo on my arm in total defiance of what ive been told at least now I kno I wont get ink poisoning
I am just worried because I always draw on myself with markers like on my arms and I am just worried about the long term affects.
thanks i got ink on my tooth and though i would die cuz it was purple felt tip!thanks alot!
Phew today I drew a line on my hand with pen and my friend said I will get ink poising I got well scared thank you so Mich I’m still scared tho ….. I think I drew it on my vein is that still ok please reply
It’s good u cant get ink poisoning from writing on yourself because I do it all the time and also a lot and my friend said that I could get ink poisoning from doing that. Now I can prove them wrong!
I recently drew a ink tattoo on my hand to my elbow and I have been experiencing a small amount of pain when I move my hand
Thanks Guys my parents said I would die if I wrote on myself.
Thanks ALOT.
well that’s a relief people said u would so i got scared thank’s alot.
so I licked a ink strip then I felt something rumbling in my tummy then iIpuked alot so thnx website is the best
Haha, I just gave myself a stick’n’poke tattoo, and realized that I used the wrong ink o.o
But then this post is just like “Bah, it’ll be fine.” Thanks for not telling me I’ll die an immense and horrific death.
thanks for telling me
When I was doing science my pen was dry, so I put on my tongue so it works, and then my throat started to hurt a little, so thx a lot.
Good, cause I always doodle on my hand when I get bored and my friends are always yelling at me and saying I will get ink poisoning. Now I can prove them wrong 😉
I was scared I got ink poisoning cuz my friend had got it and I drew on myself them felt a survere pain in my ars so….. Thanks.
Thank god I got so scared because I drew on myself and my arm started to burn and I felt a servere pinching type pain.i had heard that you could get ink poisoning and my friend had got ink poisoning fr drawing on her self so yah…. Thank yah though.
Thanks I thought I was gonna die when casey walters stabbed me with a pen
I was so worried I just have myself a tattoo with pen ink and my sister said I might get ink poisoning!!! I was scared beond belief!
I swallowed a little bit of pen it will it effect me
can you die from writing ink on yourself?
Thank you so much! I always draw on myself and I didn’t think it was bad for me. Then I heard of ink poisoning and thought I would get it. But now I know I have nothing to worry about.
hello this is amazing omgg
I swollled pan ink and It doesnt feel good and I got a chest burn and I feel werid is that normal !!!!!!!!!!!! I dont know but I says on the internet that swolling pen ink wont make you die or anything it says it might make you sick.
Can’t believe people actually believe getting ink on you poisons you xD
If I got a tattoo with pen ink, can I get ink posioning & die ?
I don’t know if I have ink poison because today a pen burst in my mouth at school and I swallowed the ink and now wen I swallow it really hurts can someone tell me if I have ink poison or not I am really scared ?
good coz my friend took out the ink from a pen and poured it over my hand
Ah thank you! I always panick about things like this my hand is a little swollen on the side and I was really paranoid about if it was ink poisoning my mum said its just where I must have knocked it but I was really scared! Ahaha I feel so relieved now 🙂
Phew coz my 11yr old has just turned my right foot in2 a lizard & my left in2 chicken pox!!
Thanks for the facts because I heard some one said that drawing on Yourself can get ike poison. I draw on my self a lettle
This really helped because after i drew a key on my hand my friend told me i might have ink poisoning. This really helped thanks 🙂