Will Eating a Whole Sheet of A4 Paper Kill You? No—But Don't Make It a Habit

No. Swallowing a full A4 sheet (210 × 297 mm, ~5 g) of plain, uninked paper will not cause death.

What Actually Happens

• Paper is mostly cellulose—indigestible but non-toxic
• Passes through GI tract largely intact
• May cause mild nausea, bloating, or constipation
• Ink, coatings, or adhesives (if present) add negligible risk at one-sheet dose

When to Worry

• Choking hazard (if not chewed)
• Repeated consumption → bezoar (paper mass) risk
• Underlying GI obstruction/condition
• Paper treated with chemicals (thermal receipt paper, carbonless copy)

Bottom Line

One sheet = harmless curiosity. Not a snack. If a child eats paper habitually, consult a pediatrician (pica evaluation).