Product Name: Activated Silica Gel
Chemical Formula: SiO₂•nH₂O
CAS Number: 63231-67-4
Synonyms: Silica; Precipitated Silica; Silicon Dioxide Gel
Recommended Use: Moisture absorber, desiccant, catalyst carrier
Supplier Details: Manufacturer’s name, address, emergency contact, local distributor phone number
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Hazard Statements: Prolonged inhalation can cause respiratory tract irritation; dust may aggravate asthma or lung conditions
Precautionary Statements: Use personal protective equipment to limit dust inhalation; avoid eye and skin contact
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (major); eyes and skin (irritation risk)
Signal Word: None for pure silica gel (unloaded)
Health Effects: Dry throat, coughing, risk of temporary eye discomfort
Chemical Name: Activated Silica Gel
Common Name: Silicon Dioxide
Purity: 97-99% dry weight
Inert Ingredients: Water (bound moisture); trace metals (iron, aluminum, calcium, less than 1%)
Impurities: None expected at levels hazardous to health
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, breathe slow and steady, seek medical advice if cough or difficulty breathing persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with clean water for fifteen minutes, lifting eyelids if necessary
Skin Contact: Rinse skin under running water, remove dust with gentle soap if redness or dryness remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, watch for stomach upset, consult physician if large amounts swallowed
Medical Attention: No chronic symptoms documented for accidental, small-scale exposure; persistent breathing problems warrant ER visit
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry powder, CO₂—silica gel does not burn
Special Hazards: Dust may float and obscure vision during fire suppression
Protective Equipment: Normal fire gear including NIOSH-approved respirator if dust becomes airborne
Combustion Products: No hazardous byproducts expected; silica is non-flammable, does not contribute to fire load
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, goggles, and gloves if cleanup raises dust
Environmental Precautions: Keep material out of drains and open water; sweep up for reuse or disposal
Methods for Cleaning Up: Use a broom or industrial vacuum, avoid sweeping vigorously to reduce dust; collect in sealed containers
Safe Handling: Avoid dropping or pouring to minimize airborne powder; wear gloves and mask in bulk transfers
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry area, sealed containers; avoid humid environments so granules don’t saturate and break down
Incompatibilities: Strong alkalis or hydrofluoric acid degrade silica; never store together
Special Notes: Silica gel can become hot during bulk moisture absorption; store away from heat sources
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for amorphous silica: 80 mg/m³ / %SiO₂; ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (total inhalable dust)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation during handling; process in closed systems if possible
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (NIOSH N95 or better), safety glasses or goggles, nitrile gloves
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling; take off contaminated clothing before breaks
Appearance: White to blue porous beads, granules, or powder
Odor: Odorless
pH (5% solution): Near neutral (pH 6.5-7.5)
Melting Point: Over 1600°C (2900°F); (amorphous, does not melt easily)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Water Solubility: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 0.7 - 0.8 g/cm³ typical
Other Data: Absorbs 24-40% its weight in water under standard conditions; no chemical reactivity with most materials
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal environmental and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity or direct water, strong acids (especially HF), strong alkalis
Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization or decomposition
Decomposition Products: None; pure silica does not decompose at room temperature
Incompatibility: Hydrofluoric acid reacts violently with silica, producing toxic silicon tetrafluoride, so keep separate
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity when inhaled or contacted with skin; ingestion unlikely to cause significant effects
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term exposure to high levels of respirable crystalline silica is harmful, but commercial gel contains amorphous form
Symptoms: Prolonged dust inhalation causes airway dryness, persistent cough
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Asthma, chronic respiratory illness
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC for amorphous silica gel; crystalline silica is hazardous, but not present in gel form
Environment Fate: Stable in soil and water, does not degrade to toxic substances
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Low; may clog gills or filter organs if discharged in very large quantities
Persistence: Remains as insoluble mineral; no bioaccumulation or biomagnification
Bioaccumulation: None documented; does not absorb into biological tissues
Waste Management: Dispose with non-hazardous industrial or household waste
Disposal Methods: Bury in landfill where local regulation permits; reuse as a drying agent if uncontaminated
Precautions: Do not discharge to waterways in bulk; avoid generating dust at dumpsites
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Silica Gel, Non-Hazardous Material
Transport Risk Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: None required
Environmental Hazards: None significant for transport; keep container tightly sealed and dry to maintain product performance
Special Precautions: Prevent bag breakage; avoid spillage that increases airborne dust
OSHA Regulation: Not specifically regulated, but general dust limits apply
EPA Regulation: Not a hazardous waste under RCRA; not regulated under CERCLA
REACH Status (EU): Registered, no severe hazards listed for amorphous form
Other Regulation: Not classified by DOT/IMDG/IATA; conforms to common safety and occupational requirements worldwide
