Today, nearly 2,000 years later the practice still continues. A study published in the Southern Medical Journal revealed the rate at which this practice, especially in Georgia, still continues. The fine white mineral is also used in paper making, paint products, ceramics, and fiberglass. The problem is that the kaolin should not be eaten.
Kaolin can cause anemia, severe liver and kidney damage as well as constipation.
Pica is a term used for the eating of non-food items, such as ice, dirt, burned matches, etc. Grisby also said that the women who eat kaolin are not addicted nor suffering from a psychiatric disorder. His study found that dirt eating was most common among African American women in rural areas and shed light on the fact that additional research needs to be done to determine the scope and the extent of its health repercussions.