Product Name: Silica Gel Desiccant
Common Names: Silica Gel, Silicon Dioxide, Synthetic Amorphous Silica
Product Form: Granules or Beads in Small Packets
Intended Use: Moisture Absorption, Desiccant Agent
Supplier Details: Manufacturer address and emergency contact number are listed on packaging
Recommended Use: Controls humidity in packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food storage
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Health Hazards: Dust may cause temporary irritation to eyes and respiratory tract if inhaled
Environmental Hazards: Not considered hazardous for environment under normal use
Physical Hazards: Granules may create minor slip hazard if spilled
Label Elements: No hazard pictograms required; still, avoid direct contact and inhalation of dust
Other Hazards: Packet contents are not edible, ingestion may cause mild digestive tract discomfort
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide
Chemical Formula: SiO₂
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Synonyms: Silica Gel, Precipitated Silica
Purity: Typically over 98% pure silicon dioxide
Minor Components: Trace water content, less than 2% moisture
Impurities: No hazardous impurities expected in food- or pharmaceutical-grade product
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth, and drink water if discomfort arises
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for several minutes, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting; seek medical help if large quantity swallowed
Advice to Doctor: Treat symptomatically, silica gel is chemically inert, supportive care is usually sufficient
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or CO₂
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known for silica gel itself
Hazardous Combustion Products: Silica gel does not burn or produce hazardous decomposition products
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard firefighting gear recommended
Special Hazards: Product itself is not combustible, packaging materials may burn releasing normal combustion products
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation, ventilate area, use standard PPE
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large amounts of product from entering drains, sweep up spills
Cleanup Methods: Collect with broom and dustpan, gather in suitable container for disposal
Disposal of Waste: Seal in container and dispose in accordance with local regulations
Safe Handling Practices: Minimize dust generation, wash hands after handling, do not eat or drink packet contents
Storage Conditions: Store in dry, well-ventilated location, avoid moisture exposure to maintain effectiveness
Incompatibilities: Strong acids or bases may react with silica gel
Packing Materials: Original packaging or airtight containers prolong shelf life
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for amorphous silica is 20 mppcf (80mg/m³ / %SiO2); ACGIH TLV is 10 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask when handling large quantities, safety goggles to protect from dust, gloves for sensitive skin
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, avoid touching face when handling powder or spent packets
Appearance: White to translucent beads or granules
Odor: Odorless
pH: 4-8 in aqueous slurry
Melting Point: About 1600°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Bulk Density: 0.7–0.8 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Reactivity: Chemically stable under normal conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable in sealed packaging, absorbs atmospheric moisture with time
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: None under recommended storage and handling
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid exposure to strong acids, strong bases, and hydrofluoric acid
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, hydrofluoric acid
Hazardous Decomposition Products: No hazardous decomposition expected
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Not a skin irritant
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not sensitizing under expected use
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA for amorphous silica
Mutagenicity: No evidence of mutagenic effects from available studies
Other Toxic Effects: No systemic effects expected from standard consumer use
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental hazard, not toxic to aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Silica gel is stable, does not degrade under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative, inert material
Mobility in Soil: Insoluble, remains in particulate phase
Other Adverse Effects: Minimal impact expected, avoid large-scale release
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national laws
Unused Product: May be disposed of as non-hazardous waste
Used/Spent Product: Dispose in regular trash if not contaminated, follow local guidelines
Packaging: Recycle or landfill decontaminated containers as allowed by municipal requirements
UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous material
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not environmentally hazardous for transport
Transport Labels: No hazard labels required
Special Precautions for User: Avoid generating dust during transport and handling
OSHA Regulations: Amorphous silica not regulated as hazardous
TSCA Inventory: Listed
REACH Status: Registered under European REACH
Other International Regulations: Complies with purity standards in food and pharma contexts
Hazard Statements: Not required under current GHS system
Labelling: Cautionary labeling to prevent ingestion or inhalation of packet contents
