Product Name: Colored Crystal Spherical Silica Gel
Synonyms: Indicating Silica Gel, Desiccant Beads, Chromatographic Silica Pearls
Manufacturer or Supplier: [Company name, address, and contact info]
Recommended Use: Moisture absorption in packaging, laboratory, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial storage
Emergency Phone Number: [Company emergency contact]
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure (Category 3, respiratory tract irritation)
Hazard Pictogram: Exclamation Mark
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: May cause eye irritation. Inhalation of dust can irritate respiratory tract.
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands after handling. Avoid breathing dust. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area. Wear eye and respiratory protection.
Potential Health Effects: Eye contact leads to irritation, excessive inhalation causes coughing or discomfort, ingestion can cause minor gastrointestinal upset.
Chemical Name: Silicon dioxide (amorphous)
CAS Number: 112926-00-8
Concentration: 92 – 99% by weight
Indicator Dye:
Cobalt(II) chloride (blue/violet type): CAS 7646-79-9, 0.5 – 2%
Methyl violet or other ph indicator (orange/green type): 0.1 - 1%
Other Additives: Trace colorants or binders, less than 1%
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Get medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or wheezing.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing. Seek medical advice for irritation.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute. Seek medical attention for persistent symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide for surrounding fire.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None specifically for product.
Specific Hazards: Product does not burn but containers exposed to heat may rupture. Fire may produce toxic metal fumes (from indicator dyes).
Special Protective Equipment: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Firefighting Instructions: Prevent firefighter run-off from entering water supplies. Keep containers cool with water spray.
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or waterways. Sweep up beads to minimize slip hazard.
Containment and Cleaning: Collect spilled beads with shovel or broom, place in dry containers. Wash area with plenty of water. Avoid creating airborne dust.
Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Use dust extraction systems if transferring bulk materials. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use.
Storage: Keep in tightly closed container in dry, cool, ventilated place. Protect from moisture. Store away from acids, strong oxidizers, and incompatible chemicals. Keep packaging undamaged to avoid possible contamination.
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for amorphous silica: 80 mg/m³/%SiO₂ (total dust), ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable)
Engineering Controls: Good general ventilation. Use local exhaust in dusty conditions.
Personal Protection:
Respiratory: NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator
Eyes: Safety glasses, chemical splash goggles
Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves
Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking. Launder clothing before reuse.
Appearance: Colored transparent to translucent beads, various shades
Odor: Odorless
pH (in aqueous solution): 6.5 – 7.5
Melting/Freezing Point: >1600°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point/Range: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 2.1 – 2.6 g/cm³
Bulk Density: 650 – 800 kg/m³
Decomposition Temperature: >400°C (for cobalt dyes), releases toxic fumes
Molecular Formula: SiO₂
Reactivity: Chemically stable under normal and recommended conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable, non-reactive with normal handling
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with concentrated acids releases heat and causes gelling/clumping
Conditions to Avoid: Excess humidity, strong acid or base environments
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: On burning or decomposition (for colored gel) releases oxides of carbon, silicon, and possibly toxic metal fumes from indicator
Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity; ingestion of large quantity may cause stomach upset, constipation
Chronic Effects: Long-term inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust (not typically present) linked to silicosis, cancer. Amorphous form used here presents very low risk.
Skin and Eye Contact: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause mild irritation
Sensitization: Not expected
Carcinogenicity: IARC lists crystalline silica as carcinogenic; amorphous silica not classified, but indicator dyes like cobalt chloride are possible carcinogens by inhalation and skin absorption.
Mutagenicity/Teratogenicity: No evidence for pure silica; cobalt chloride is under investigation for genotoxicity.
Other Health Effects: No specific information for common indicator dyes; avoid inhaling dust from broken or powdered beads.
Ecotoxicity: Pure silica gel is not biodegradable but considered non-toxic to aquatic life. Colored beads with cobalt do present risk under environmental exposure.
Persistence and Degradability: Remains physically unchanged in environment, not degraded by typical soil organisms
Bioaccumulation: Not expected for amorphous silica; cobalt salts can bioaccumulate in aquatic systems.
Mobility: Non-volatile, stays where deposited unless physically moved
Other Adverse Effects: Dyes and heavy metals can leach if beads are damaged or disposed improperly, risk increases in acidic conditions. Control and recover spilled material to minimize environmental release.
Waste Characterization: Product wastes containing metal indicator dyes should be treated as hazardous. Uncontaminated silica gel can be disposed in landfill according to local regulations.
Disposal Methods: Collect and place in sealed containers. Dispose of in accordance with federal, state, and local waste disposal regulations. Do not dump in drains or natural waterways.
Special Precautions: Avoid dust formation. If beads contain substantiated hazardous dyes (cobalt), use an approved hazardous waste facility.
UN Number: Not regulated for transport (non-hazardous for amorphous silica gel)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant for silica gel, but dyed beads can be if large volumes are released
Special Precautions for User: Secure packaging to avoid rupture and minimize dust
OSHA: Amorphous silica not regulated as hazardous, but indicator dyes may be subject to control
TSCA Status: Silica and most dyes listed in TSCA inventory
SARA Title III: Cobalt compounds listed as chronic hazard
California Prop 65: Cobalt compounds listed as reproductive/developmental toxicity hazard
EU Regulation (REACH): Silica gel registered, indicator dyes subject to REACH watch list
Other National Regulations: Check local, state, or provincial controls for handling and disposal of products with hazardous dyes. Storage and labeling must meet site-specific codes for hazardous substances where present.
