Product Name: Colored Silica Gel
Chemical Family: Amorphous silica with indicator dyes
Common Uses: Desiccant for moisture control in packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food products, and storage containers
Synonyms: Silica gel with indicator, Orange/Blue/Purple Silica Gel, Color Changing Silica Gel
Supplier: Manufacturer details, address, and contact number printed on product label or shipment documentation
Emergency Phone Number: Refer to supplier or Chemtrec line as provided in shipment
CAS Number: 112926-00-8 for silica, indicator component varies (Cobalt Chloride CAS 7646-79-9, Methyl Violet, etc.)
GHS Classification: Not a hazardous substance as supplied when dry, but can contain hazardous indicators
Physical Hazards: Low risk, but powder generation may cause respiratory irritation
Eye Contact: Causes redness or irritation with direct exposure
Inhalation: Dust inhalation can irritate mucous membranes
Skin Contact: Prolonged contact, particularly with indicator dyes, can bring mild irritation, coloring
Swallowing: Unlikely with intended use, but ingestion of colored dyes (such as cobalt chloride) raises health risks
Signal Word: Warning if cobalt indicator present
Hazard Statements: May cause eye and skin irritation, possible carcinogen if containing cobalt chloride
Pictogram: Exclamation point if cobalt-based indicator used
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust, do not eat, use gloves/eye protection as sensible precaution
Main Ingredient: Silica Gel (SiO2·nH2O): 95–98% by weight
Color Indicators (optional): Variable, less than 5%
Common Colorants: Cobalt(II) chloride (blue), methyl violet, iron salts, orange dye
Other Additives: Trace anti-caking agents, optional water repellents
Impurities: Trace mineral oxides depending on-grade
Physical Form: Hard granules, beads, or irregular crystals, colored for humidity indication
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air; respiratory irritation usually resolves quickly; seek medical attention for severe symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek care for persistent irritation, especially if colorants are involved
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids as needed, and see a doctor if discomfort continues
Swallowing: Rinse mouth, drink water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical help, especially if large quantities or color indicator ingested
Note for Doctor: Cobalt exposure raises cancer risk with chronic dose; acute symptoms usually allergic or irritant
Flammability: Silica gel itself doesn’t burn; organic dyes and packaging may ignite
Recommended Extinguishing Agents: Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Unusual Hazards: Combustion can release toxic fumes from indicator dyes
Protective Equipment: Standard fire gear, self-contained breathing apparatus in closed environments
Explosion Potential: Low for normal use; powdered silica dust in extreme dispersion and high heat could pose risk
Personal Protection: Wear gloves, goggles, dust mask in spill area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent dispersal of dust into sewers, water systems, or open soil
Containment: Sweep up without raising dust; collect in sealed, labeled containers for reuse or disposal
Cleaning Methods: Vacuum spills with a HEPA filter for powder; damp cloth for granular forms
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local hazardous materials regulations, especially with cobalt dye presence
Notification: Notify regulatory authorities if spill enters water or sensitive environments
Handling: Avoid breathing dust, contact with skin, ingestion; use in well-ventilated spaces
Personal Cleanliness: Wash hands after handling; remove contaminated clothing
Safe Storage: Store in dry, airtight containers; keep away from acids, alkalis, oxidizers
Temperature Sensitivity: Stable at room temperature; avoid excessive heat or direct sunlight which can alter indicator effectiveness
Compatibility: Avoid storing with food, feed, strong chemicals
Storage Conditions: Keep labeled and out of reach of children and pets
Exposure Limits: Silica amorphous: OSHA PEL 20 mppcf; Cobalt chloride: ACGIH TLV 0.02 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for dusty operations
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved N95 mask for dusty environments
Eye Protection: Safety goggles if dust or splashing anticipated
Skin Protection: Nitrile gloves when handling bulk quantity or open-bead forms
Other Precautions: No eating, drinking, or smoking during use; maintain good house-keeping in storage and use areas
Physical State: Solid, bead or granular
Color: Blue, orange, purple, or other as indicated by dye
Odor: Odorless
pH: Almost neutral, slightly acidic (pH 4-7 in water extraction)
Melting Point: > 1000°C (decomposes prior to melting)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 500 to 850 kg/m³ (varies by bead type)
Moisture Content: Below 8% for dry product, can absorb 25–40% by weight
Other: Changes color as humidity indicator, due to chemical dyes
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended use and storage conditions
Reactivity: Minimal in dry state
Materials to Avoid: Hydrofluoric acid (reacts violently), strong bases, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Polymerization: None
Decomposition Products: Heated dyes may release toxic gases, especially with cobalt chloride
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture (will deplete indicating ability), extreme heat, open flame
Storage Life: Can remain effective for years if maintained dry and sealed
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact, accidental swallowing
Acute Toxicity: Silica gel not toxic if swallowed, but indicator dyes can bring risk (cobalt chloride: toxic and possible carcinogen with repeated exposure)
Health Effects: Dust may irritate eyes, skin, lungs; ingestion of indicator dye can cause nausea, vomiting, in high doses chronic complications
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation of dust can exacerbate lung conditions; cobalt in indicator dye presents cancer risk and should be handled with care
Sensitization: Not common, but allergic reaction possible with repeated indicator dye exposure
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 2B (possible carcinogen for cobalt compounds); amorphous silica not classed
Other Data: Animal studies confirm low oral toxicity for base gel; indicator toxicity varies greatly depending on dye
Ecotoxicity: Pure silica gel is inert, does not bioaccumulate or harm aquatic life; dyes alter impact
Colored Indicator Contamination: Cobalt chloride classified as hazardous to the environment, especially aquatic species
Mobility: Insoluble carrier, but dye may leach in wet soils
Persistence: Silica gel does not degrade, indicator dye breakdown depends on type
Bioaccumulation: Not expected for silica; possible for some dyes
Waste Considerations: Should not be released in large quantities to natural water; treated as hazardous if containing heavy metal indicators
Product Disposal: Collect in closed containers; landfill if permitted; incineration with care for colored forms or dyes
Hazardous Waste Classification: Applies if dyes such as cobalt chloride present and above threshold percentages
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly or dispose as hazardous waste
Recycling: Not commonly recycled, but reactivation possible by controlled heating (for non-cobalt types)
Local Laws: Follow local, regional, and national regulations for disposal; consult authorities if unsure of dye content or status
UN Number: Not regulated for silica gel; some indicator types may require UN number (cobalt chloride: UN 3288)
DOT, IATA, IMDG Classifications: Not hazardous under standard shipping conditions, unless significant indicator present
Packing Group: None for base gel; assigned if significant hazardous dye included
Labeling: “Not hazardous” unless marked with hazardous dyes
Special Precautions: Keep dry, avoid packaging collapse; prevent damage and avoid contamination with food
OSHA: Amorphous silica exempt under standard use, regulated if dust generation above limits
TSCA: All ingredients usually listed
EPA: RCRA rules apply if hazardous indicators present; silica gel itself not hazardous waste
REACH Status: Registered in Europe, must declare dyed forms
SARA Title III: Section 313 listing for cobalt indicator pigment
Other International: Cobalt dyes regulated under environmental protection or health acts in Canada, Europe, China
Consumer Warnings: Labeled “do not eat,” indicator presence must be disclosed on packaging per global standards
