Page "Geophagy" Paragraph 26

There are obvious risks in the consumption of earth that is contaminated by animal or human feces ; in particular, parasite eggs, such as roundworm, that can stay dormant for years, can present a problem.

Tetanus poses a further risk.

Nevertheless, these risks are generally well understood by most tribal populations that engage in geophagy, hence ' clean ' earth from below the surface level is sought out.

Children's predilection to engage in geophagy makes them more susceptible to worm infestations.

Other dangers associated with geophagia include damage to tooth enamel, the ingestion of a variety of bacteria, various forms of soil contamination, and intestinal obstruction.