Are Pastel Chalk Toxic?

Pastels can contain toxic pigments such as chrome yellow (lead chromate) which can cause lung cancer, and cadmium pigments (which can cause kidney and lung damage and are suspect human carcinogens). Blowing excess pastel dust off the drawing is one major source of inhalation of pastel pigments.

Is pastel chalk dust toxic?

Simple. The vast majority of pastel dust is non-toxic (as the vast majority of pastels are made with non-toxic pigments), but that does not take away the harm that inhaling dust can cause in the long term.

Are chalk pastels edible?

The artists soft chalk pastels are often used on gumpaste flowers. Although gumpaste is considered edible it generally isn't eaten. If it does happen that a portion of it is eaten, it is such a teeny amount of chalk and the fact that it is non toxic substance means it won't hurt anyone.