MSDS for Orange Silica Gel

Identification

Product Name: Orange Silica Gel
Chemical Name: Silica, Synthetic Amorphous, Doped with Indicator
Synonyms: Silica Gel Orange, Orange Indicating Silica Gel
Recommended Use: Desiccant, Moisture Absorber
Manufacturer: Contact information available on request
Emergency Contact: Local Poison Control, or National Emergency Number
CAS Number: 7631-86-9 (Silicon Dioxide), 90-94-8 (Methyl Violet as indicator)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication
Signal Word: None needed for base silica gel; indicator dye may alter classification
Hazard Statements: May cause mild respiratory irritation if dust inhaled; dye component may stain skin
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust; wash hands after handling; use in well-ventilated areas
Pictograms: None required for main constituent
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, eye contact, skin contact
Potential Health Effects: Temporary irritation to eyes, nose, throat; dust can aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): 90–99%
Indicator Dye (Methyl Violet or Similar): 1–10%
Other Components: Trace amounts of proprietary additives for color stability
Impurities: Typically none of toxicological significance due to industrial-grade specification

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; colorant may cause temporary staining
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; may cause mild irritation due to dust or dye
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice, particularly where children are involved or in case of large quantities
Most Important Symptoms: Temporary eye redness, coughing, mild throat discomfort

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam
Unsuitable Media: Not sensitive to any usual extinguishing agents
Specific Hazards: Not flammable; does not support combustion
Hazardous Decomposition Products: At extreme temperatures, may release small quantities of formaldehyde from organic dye breakdown
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear standard protective gear; self-contained breathing apparatus in confined spaces

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, ventilate area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent bulk quantities from entering drains due to possible dye leaching
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum spilled material, avoid generating dust; collect in sealable container for disposal
Disposal: Refer to local waste management authority; typically treated as non-hazardous solid waste unless dye content specifies otherwise

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation for large-scale use; avoid contact with skin and eyes; prevent dust accumulation; do not eat or drink near usage area
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location; keep container tightly sealed; keep away from incompatible substances like strong acids or hydrofluoric acid
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, hydrofluoric acid (can form toxic silicon tetrafluoride gas)

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for amorphous silica: 20 mppcf (million particles per cubic foot); ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m3 (inhalable), 3 mg/m3 (respirable)
Engineering Controls: Adequate local ventilation; dust collection at points of generation
Personal Protection: Safety glasses or goggles; lightweight gloves for bulk handling; NIOSH-approved dust masks for dusty conditions
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling; do not touch face or eyes during use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Granular beads, orange to yellow depending on hydration
Odor: Odorless
pH: Approx. 3.5–7 (aqueous dispersion)
Melting/Freezing Point: Over 1600°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability (Solid, Gas): Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 0.7–0.8 g/cm3
Solubility: Insoluble in water and common solvents
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Decomposition Temperature: May degrade dye at temperatures above 250°C
Appearance Changes: Orange to green as desiccant becomes saturated with moisture

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions
Chemical Reactivity: Unreactive with most substances; reacts with hydrofluoric acid
Hazardous Polymerization: Not expected
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to high humidity (reduces effectiveness as desiccant)
Hazardous Decomposition: In presence of strong acids or bases, dye may decompose forming minor toxic products

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity (rat LD50 > 5g/kg for silica gel)
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic inhalation of dust can irritate the lungs; not classified as carcinogenic for amorphous silica
Sensitization: Not reported
Mutagenicity: No evidence for main components
Eye Irritation: May cause temporary discomfort, especially from dye content
Skin Sensitization: Skin staining or mild irritation possible from dye
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Persons with respiratory issues may experience mild aggravation if dust is inhaled

Ecological Information

Eco-Toxicity: Practically non-toxic to aquatic life at moderate concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Main component is naturally occurring and persistent; dye component degrades slowly
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely for silica; organic dye may persist at elevated exposures
Mobility in Soil: Low due to insolubility; dye component may leach in very wet conditions

Disposal Considerations

Regulatory Status: Not hazardous under RCRA
Disposal Methods: Dispose of as general industrial waste unless local regulations specify hazardous classification due to indicator dye
Recycling: Possible through regeneration by heating if industrial facilities are available
Packaging Disposal: Ensure emptied containers do not retain residue; dispose according to state or local laws

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods by UN Model Regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Silica Gel, Non-Hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Non-regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Avoid moisture exposure during transport; ensure packaging is sealed

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Listed as non-hazardous, but dust exposure standards apply
TSCA: All ingredients listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): All components listed
REACH (EU): Exempt from registration as naturally occurring substance; dye complies with REACH limits for environmental safety
California Prop 65: Product does not contain substances known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity at reportable levels
Label Requirements: No special hazard labeling required except dust warnings in workplace environments
Other Regulations: No significant regional restrictions; check local or national regulations for updates