Product Name: Silica Gel Desiccant
Chemical Formula: SiO2·nH2O
Synonyms: Silica Gel, Silicon Dioxide, Precipitated Silica
Manufacturer: Contact details specific to supplier
Recommended Use: Moisture absorber in packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food storage, leather goods
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or manufacturer’s emergency contact line
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations for non-crystalline silica
Health Hazards: Inhalation of excessive dust can cause respiratory discomfort; ingestion and skin contact present minimal risk
Chronic Effects: Product contains amorphous silica, not crystalline quartz, so long-term effects like silicosis do not apply
Physical Hazards: Product surfaces can be drying to mucous membranes
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous to the environment
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
Content: 99-100% w/w amorphous silica
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Impurities: Trace sodium compounds, water of hydration
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses to ease rinsing; seek attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; skin dryness may occur, apply moisturizer if needed
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; respiratory discomfort typically resolves; seek medical attention if symptoms do not clear
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; small amounts are unlikely to cause harm; seek medical advice if discomfort develops
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide — select appropriate for surrounding fire
Fire Hazards: Non-combustible; does not contribute fuel
Thermal Decomposition: No hazardous products expected below 1600°C
Protection for Firefighters: Standard gear is adequate; thermal insulation as needed for exposure
Special Procedures: Contain powders to limit inhalation risk or irritation
Personal Precautions: Minimize dust; wear dust mask, protective safety glasses, gloves
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled discharge into drains or soil
Containment: Sweep or vacuum gently to avoid raising dust
Cleanup Methods: Collect in containers for disposal; use moisture if needed to limit airborne particulate
Safe Handling: Avoid breathing dust; minimize creation of powders
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container, cool, dry area
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid, strong alkalis
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; launder clothing if contaminated
Exposure Limits (OSHA PEL): 80 mg/m3 / (%SiO2) for total dust
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation if dust develops
Respiratory Protection: Approved particulate filter mask in high-dust settings
Eye Protection: Safety goggles to prevent irritation
Skin Protection: Gloves and protective clothing as needed for dry work
Other Controls: Maintain workplace dust at minimal levels
Appearance: Granular or bead-like, white to translucent
Odor: Odorless
pH: ~7 (in suspension)
Melting Point: Above 1600°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
Bulk Density: 0.7–0.8 g/cm3
Partition Coefficient: Not relevant
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable
Chemical Stability: Stable at standard temperature and pressure
Hazardous Reactions: None with common packaging or atmospheric gases
Incompatibility: Contact with hydrofluoric acid produces silicon tetrafluoride gas
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid strong acids, alkalis; overheating can cause dehydration
Hazardous Decomposition: Does not readily decompose
Acute Toxicity: Low; no acute symptoms reported at normal exposures
Potential Effects: Eye: dryness, mild irritation; Skin: dryness, redness; Inhalation: coughing, discomfort on significant exposure
Sensitization: No evidence of skin or respiratory sensitization
Chronic Toxicity: Amorphous form lacks link to chronic lung disease seen with crystalline silica
Carcinogenic Status: NTP/IARC/OSHA: Not classified as cancer-causing
Ecotoxicity: Low hazard; does not bioaccumulate or persist in water or soil
Mobility: Remains solid and inert in natural environments
Persistence and Degradability: Highly durable; constituents exist naturally in sand and rock
Bioaccumulative Potential: None identified
Aquatic Toxicity: Non-toxic to aquatic plants and animals at relevant concentrations
Product Disposal: Discard in accordance with local waste regulations; landfill approved
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and recycle if possible, otherwise dispose with household waste
Special Precautions: Avoid generating unnecessary dust; do not dump to waterways
UN Number: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Silica Gel
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Protect against moisture, keep containers securely sealed
TSCA: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH Status (EU): Registered
OSHA: Not hazardous
SARA Title III: Not listed for Sections 302, 304, 313
Other Regulations: Not subject to special restrictions in major jurisdictions; follow local workplace and packaging guidance
