In what a Maine high school described as “an unfortunate accidental incident,” the school fed dirt to students at a charity event meant to raise money to combat hunger.
Students at Medomack Valley High School in Waldoboro accidentally served a dish of baked dirt at the school’s Empty Bowl Supper, which the Bangor Daily News describes as “a longstanding community service event.”
According to a statement from the school, earlier that day, as part of a science class experiment, students baked a batch of potting soil to see how sterilized soil affected plant growth. The dirt was placed in a foil-covered baking dish and set aside by the stove, “separate from the Empty Bowl Supper food items.”
“In an effort to quickly deliver food to the serving tables, the dish was mistakenly identified as part of the meal and brought out for service,” the school wrote.
“Three students briefly put some of the soil in their mouths, believing it to be a dessert item, before immediately realizing what it was. The item was removed from the serving tables. This was a completely accidental situation and absolutely not a prank.
“The parents of the students involved have been contacted, and the students have also been spoken with at school today. Those involved in organizing the Empty Bowl Supper, a longstanding community service event that means a great deal to our school and community, are deeply sorry that this occurred.”
Is eating dirt dangerous or bad for your health?
While certainly not something most people would want to do, according to Poison.org, eating dirt in very small quantities is not terribly dangerous. However, experts certainly do not recommend eating too much dirt as it may cause serious health issues.
“Eating dirt or soil can cause an upset stomach,” the organization writes. “Eating them repeatedly over an extended period can lead to digestive problems such as constipation, and infection by bacteria and parasites. However, doctors certainly do not recommend eating too much dirt as it may cause serious health issues.
“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.”
They also specifically address the question, “What should I do if my child eats dirt or soil?”
“First, don’t worry,” they wrote. “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.”