Product Name: Purple Red Silica Gel
Chemical Formula: SiO₂ with cobalt(II) chloride indicator
Recommended Use: Moisture absorption, humidity control
Supplier: Standard chemical distributors and desiccant manufacturers
Emergency Phone: Listed by manufacturer, typically on distribution paperwork
Synonyms: Silica gel with cobalt chloride, indicating desiccant
UN Number: Not regulated under normal transport information for silica gel
CAS Numbers: Silica gel 112926-00-8, cobalt(II) chloride 7646-79-9
Contact Email: Available on manufacturer website
Physical State: Granular solid
Hazard Class: Non-flammable solid but contains toxic indicator
Risk Phrases: Irritant, toxic if swallowed, suspected carcinogen due to cobalt compound
Signs of Exposure: Irritation in eyes and skin, respiratory discomfort
Symbols: Harmful (Xn), Toxic (T)
Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Eye and respiratory irritation, cobalt chloride may cause allergic skin reactions and possible long-term effects
Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂): 90-97% by weight
Cobalt(II) Chloride (CoCl₂): 1-3% by weight, color indicator
Other Ingredients: Water content varies (up to 10%), sometimes trace stabilizers
Hazardous Components: Cobalt(II) chloride triggers the distinctive purple-red color; classified as toxic and a suspected carcinogen
Purity: Manufactured to technical grade specification
Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes; seek medical advice if redness or pain persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek attention if respiratory irritation or symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting; get immediate medical help
Note for Doctors: Treat symptomatically, monitor for delayed effects due to cobalt compound presence
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: None known for small quantities; product does not fuel fires
Special Hazards: Dust from large quantities may cause mechanical irritation; thermal decomposition may release toxic fumes
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective suit
Emergency Procedures: Keep containers cool, avoid breathing dust or fumes
Personal Precautions: Avoid skin and eye contact, use gloves and eye protection, prevent dust build-up
Environmental Precautions: Prevent bulk spills from entering drains or water courses, cobalt(II) chloride is toxic to aquatic life
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep or vacuum product, collect in labeled containers for disposal; ventilate area during cleanup
Decontamination: Wash impacted surfaces with water, bag waste for specialist disposal
Handling: Wear protective gloves, use in well-ventilated areas to limit dust exposure, avoid eating or drinking nearby
Storage Conditions: Keep in tightly closed containers, store in cool, dry area, away from strong acids, alkalis and foodstuff
Storage Temperature: Ambient, avoid high humidity
Packaging Materials: Use moisture-resistant, sealed packaging to maintain effectiveness
Incompatibilities: Excessive moisture, strong oxidizers, acids or bases
Occupational Exposure Limits: Cobalt(II) chloride (OSHA PEL: 0.02 mg/m³ as Co dust), No exposure limits for silica gel in desiccant use
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation if dust is present
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or respirator for bulk use
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, do not touch face or eat, launder clothing separately if significant exposure occurs
Environmental Exposure Controls: Prevent uncontrolled spillage and runoff to sewers or waterways
Appearance: Solid beads or granules, color shifts from purple to red as moisture absorbed
Odor: Odorless
pH: Neutral
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Melting Point: > 1600°C (silica gel)
Solubility: Insoluble in water (silica gel portion), cobalt chloride component is water soluble
Bulk Density: 700-800 kg/m³
Vapor Pressure: Not established
Flammability: Non-flammable
Coarse/Fine Grades: Available by mesh size, dust may be present if improperly handled
Stability: Stable under normal conditions, retains moisture-absorbing capacity until saturated
Hazardous Reactions: May react with strong acids, bases; cobalt(II) chloride may form hazardous compounds with ammonia or cyanides
Decomposition Products: Heating above 300°C releases water vapor and potentially toxic metal salts
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive humidity reduces desiccant life, high temperature >200°C affects indicator stability
Polymerization: Not known to occur
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity for silica gel (LD50 oral, rat: >5000 mg/kg), cobalt(II) chloride is more hazardous (LD50 oral, rat: ~766 mg/kg)
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to cobalt compounds may affect blood, heart, thyroid; may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people
Carcinogenicity: Cobalt(II) chloride classified as a possible carcinogen by IARC
Irritant Effects: Dust may cause eye and respiratory irritation; skin contact with indicator can trigger rash or dermatitis
Other Risks: May cause gastrointestinal upset if swallowed, risk increases with large quantities
Aquatic Toxicity: Cobalt chloride is toxic to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Silica gel is inert and persists in environment; cobalt chloride does not break down rapidly
Bioaccumulation: Cobalt compounds may build up in aquatic organisms
Mobility: Silica gel granules stay at spill site, soluble indicator may leach in water
Other Hazards: Avoid uncontrolled disposal to environment, particularly near waterways or soil
Waste Class: Classified as hazardous due to cobalt content
Disposal Methods: Collect and send to approved hazardous waste treatment or incineration facility
Packaging Disposal: Dispose of empty bags or drums following local hazardous waste regulations
Precautions: Do not discharge to drains or landfills without authority approval, seek specialist advice for larger quantities
Recycling: Not typically recycled due to indicator contamination
UN Number: Not regulated for silica gel, may need declaration if bulk cobalt(II) chloride present
Hazard Class: Not classed as a dangerous good under ADR, RID, IMDG, IATA for packaged desiccant products
Packaging Instructions: Use sealed, labeled containers; avoid packaging damage during transport
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and direct sunlight, avoid contamination with food or feed
Labelling: Product must be labeled as containing hazardous cobalt compound, warning statements required for eye, skin, ingestion hazards
Regulatory Status: Cobalt(II) chloride subject to specific workplace exposure limits and environmental controls
REACH Registration: Cobalt chloride included in SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list in Europe
OSHA: Hazard communication required for workplaces in United States
SARA 313: Reporting required for cobalt compounds in US if thresholds met
Other Local Regulations: Dispose and use product according to jurisdictional guidelines
