Product Name: Blue Silica Gel
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide, Crystalline with Cobalt(II) Chloride
Synonyms: Indicating Silica Gel, Blue Indicating Gel
CAS Number: 7631-86-9 (Silicon Dioxide), 7646-79-9 (Cobalt(II) Chloride)
Recommended Use: Moisture absorption, desiccant for packaging, laboratory humidity indicator
Supplied By: Chemical supply companies, laboratory material distributors
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center, fire department, or company-specific emergency telephone
Hazard Classification: Irritant, toxic to aquatic life due to Cobalt Chloride content
Label Elements: Warning symbol for health hazard, aquatic toxicity symbol
Potential Health Effects: Causes irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; may cause sensitization and allergic reaction due to Cobalt(II) Chloride; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress; inhalation of dust can be harmful especially in poorly-ventilated areas
Environment Hazard: Toxic to aquatic organisms with long-lasting impacts, especially when released in high volume
Specific Target Organ Toxicity: Prolonged exposure to cobalt compounds may affect blood and thyroid function
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): 93–98% by weight
Cobalt(II) Chloride (CoCl2): 2–7% by weight
Impurities: Trace sodium oxide, magnesium oxide or iron oxide (detection through spectroscopic analysis)
Physical Form: Granular, beaded, or fragmented particles colored blue in dry state due to Cobalt(II) Chloride
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air, keep them at rest; medical attention is crucial in cases of respiratory distress or prolonged symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse with gentle stream of clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contacts if worn, seek medical help for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, repeated washing may be necessary, medical care for skin rash or irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, avoid inducing vomiting, seek immediate professional medical support
Note for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, monitor for signs of cobalt sensitization; supportive care recommended
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable, but cobalt chloride can evolve toxic fumes of chlorine if exposed to strong fire
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full gear to prevent exposure to hazardous decomposition products
Special Procedures: Keep containers cool with water spray; ensure runoff water does not enter sewers or waterways to avoid ecological damage
Personal Precautions: Use respiratory protection when dust present; avoid direct contact; ensure area ventilation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains or surface water; isolate spillage immediately
Containment and Cleanup: Use dry, inert absorbent materials; sweep up into suitable containers for proper disposal; wash spill site after material pickup completed
Disposal Guidelines: Place collected material in accordance with local, state, and federal waste disposal regulations
Handling Precautions: Handle with care to avoid generation of dust; avoid breathing particles; avoid contact with skin and clothing; do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with product
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers; keep in dry, well-ventilated area; do not store with food, beverages or animal feed; segregate from strong acids and incompatible chemicals
Incompatibilities: Avoid exposure to hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limit (OEL) for cobalt compounds set by country-specific guidelines; silicon dioxide typically considered low risk unless in inhalable crystalline form
Engineering Controls: Work in well-ventilated areas; use local exhaust or process enclosure where dust is generated
Personal Protection: Wear approved safety goggles or face shields; gloves impervious to chemicals; protective clothing as needed.
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved particle respirators where ventilation is insufficient; additional controls for cobalt exposure
Appearance: Blue-violet granular solid, spherical or irregular beads
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: Decomposes above 1600°C
Boiling Point: Not volatile
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Density: 0.6–0.8 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Particle Size: Varies, typically 1–5 mm; dust can be generated by abrasion
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and dry storage conditions
Reactivity: Slightly reactive with strong oxidizing agents and acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Cobalt and chlorine compounds may be released in fire
Risk of Dust Explosion: Low; not considered combustible though fine particles can present nuisance dust
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, high humidity, open flames, extreme heat
Acute Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed in significant quantities though unlikely under typical usage; cobalt chloride considered potentially carcinogenic by IARC (Group 2B)
Inhalation Risks: Dust irritation to respiratory passages
Skin/Eye Contact: May trigger dermatitis; eye contact causes irritation or conjunctivitis
Sensitization: Repeated or prolonged contact may prompt allergic skin or respiratory reaction due to cobalt salts
Chronic Effects: Risk of long-term cobalt exposure associated with thyroid dysfunction, impact on blood cell count
Ecotoxicity: Cobalt chloride toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations; long-term adverse effects possible in aquatic environments
Persistence: Silica, inert and persistent; cobalt chloride soluble and mobile in aquatic systems
Bioaccumulation: Cobalt ions may bioaccumulate in aquatic species
Mobility: Cobalt compounds mobile if spillage occurs, risk to groundwater; silica maintains stability in soil without migrating
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste in accordance with local, state, and national regulations; packaging contaminated with cobalt requires careful handling
Neutralization: Not applicable for spent silica gel; do not landfill if cobalt concentration remains high
Container Disposal: Empty containers should be triple-rinsed or handled as hazardous material
Precautions: Prohibit disposal through municipal wastewater streams; incineration should only be performed by certified waste treatment facility
UN Number: Not classified for most ground shipments unless substantial quantities
Transport Hazard Class: Regulated for international freight if cobalt chloride is above threshold quantity
Packing Group: Usually III (minor danger) for cobalt content
Labeling Requirements: Clearly marked as hazardous if cobalt weight limit triggers transport regulation
Special Transport Measures: Avoid transport with foodstuffs; follow placarding and documentation rules in accordance with DOT, IMDG, or IATA as appropriate
Regulatory Status: Covered by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard in the United States; cobalt chloride classified as a carcinogen under REACH and other international standards
Right to Know: Cobalt compounds appear on hazardous substance lists such as SARA Title III, EPCRA, and California Proposition 65
Worker Protection: Employers obligated to provide safety training, protective equipment, and emergency procedures
Inventory Listings: Registered under TSCA (USA), EINECS (Europe), AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada)
Labeling Requirements: Requires hazard pictograms and warning phrases outlining cobalt toxicity
Additional Notes: Occupational exposure standards for cobalt often stricter in medical and educational environments than in general laboratory or industrial settings
