Product Name: Beer Silica Gel
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide, Synthetic Amorphous Silica
CAS Number: 112926-00-8
Intended Use: Clarification and stabilization of beer during the brewing process
Manufacturer Contact Information: Address, emergency telephone number, and website should be sourced directly from the supplier for accuracy
Synonyms: Precipitated Silica, Silica Hydrate
GHS Rating: Non-hazardous under normal conditions. Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Health Risks: Inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory irritation; prolonged exposure to high concentrations could exacerbate asthma or bronchitis
Skin Contact: Repeated contact may cause dryness or cracking
Eye Contact: Dust may cause mechanical irritation with redness or tearing
Ingestion: Low toxicity if swallowed but not intended for consumption outside industrial use
NFPA Ratings: Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Reactivity: 0
Chemical Identity: Amorphous Silica
Chemical Formula: SiO2
Content: Typically over 99% silicon dioxide
Impurities: Moisture (<5%), trace metal oxides (aluminum, iron in minute amounts)
Additives: None identified under typical manufacturing processes
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; rinse mouth with water; rest until breathing returns to normal; seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easily possible; seek advice if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; drink water if discomfort occurs; seek medical assistance for persistent symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Product itself will not burn; use extinguishing agent appropriate for surrounding fire
Specific Hazards: Product does not support combustion or release hazardous decomposition gases
Protective Equipment: No special equipment for product; consider standard protection against dust and smoke
Hazardous Combustion Products: None for silica gel, but containers may produce ash and fumes from labels or packaging materials
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating airborne dust; use local exhaust ventilation in clean-up area
Protective Clothing: Wear dust mask or respirator if natural ventilation is poor; use gloves and goggles
Spill Response: Sweep up spillage carefully; avoid dry brushing which may stir up dust; collect for recycling or safe disposal
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled discharge into drains or waterways; sweep up promptly to prevent slip hazards
Handling: Minimize dust generation; keep containers closed when not in use; wash hands after handling; avoid inhaling dust
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space; guard against contact with moisture and strong acids or bases
Packaging: Typically stored in multi-layer paper or plastic drums, bags, or sacks clearly labeled with contents
Compatibility: Stable with most non-reactive materials; avoid storage with hydrofluoric acid which reacts violently with silica
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (respirable dust): 6 mg/m3; ACGIH TLV (inhalable particles): 10 mg/m3
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits
Personal Protection: NIOSH/OSHA approved dust masks for airborne dust; safety goggles; chemical resistant gloves if direct contact expected
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face after handling; no eating or drinking in processing areas
Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Insoluble in water and most solvents
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: Above 1,600°C
Specific Gravity: 2.0-2.2
pH: 4.0-8.0 (in suspended form)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Explosive Limits: Not applicable; silica gel will not explode
Particle Size: Varies; typically 10–100 microns
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: No hazardous reactions with common materials
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid reacts with silica forming toxic silicon tetrafluoride
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, extremely high temperatures, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under foreseeable conditions
Acute Toxicity: Not considered toxic via oral, dermal, or inhalation routes under expected workplace concentrations
Chronic Toxicity: Amorphous silica not linked to silicosis; crystalline silica should not be present in beer silica gel
Potential Health Effects: Prolonged inhalation of high concentrations may cause mild lung irritation; skin contact could lead to dryness
Carcinogenicity: IARC, NTP, OSHA do not list amorphous silica as a carcinogen
Reproductive/Developmental Effects: No known adverse effects on reproductive health
Ecotoxicity: No evidence of toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial organisms from amorphous silica
Persistence and Degradability: Chemically inert, not biodegradable, remains in the environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: No potential for bioaccumulation or biomagnification
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility and mobility; eliminates risk of groundwater contamination
Other Adverse Effects: Disposed quantities in large amounts may alter soil structure or bulk density
Waste Disposal Methods: Treat as non-hazardous solid waste; landfill in compliance with local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may be recycled or landfilled after thorough removal of powder
Special Precautions: Avoid release to environment in dust form; sweep up spills promptly to prevent slipping and accidental inhalation
UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not restricted
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not required
Transport Labels: None required by international or domestic law
Special Precautions for User: Ensure packaging remains dry, undamaged, and properly sealed during transit
OSHA: Non-hazardous, not listed as a controlled product
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Registered; not subject to authorization or restriction
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
California Prop 65: Not listed
Other Regulations: Compliant with food-contact requirements under FDA and EU legislation for brewing aids, subject to purity specifications
