Product Name: Type A Silica Gel
Synonyms: Silica Gel, Silicon Dioxide, Precipitated Silica
Product Use: Desiccant, Drying Agent, Moisture Control in Packaging
Manufacturer: Listed on shipment label or purchase documentation
Emergency Contact: Local poison center or emergency room for medical emergencies
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Health Hazards: May cause mild transient irritation to eyes, skin, or respiratory tract through dust exposure
Environmental Impact: Minimal known hazards with moderate ecological persistence
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, use proper ventilation during handling, avoid contact with eyes and skin
Chemical Identity: Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Purity: 95-100% Silicon Dioxide
Impurities: Trace elements including sodium, aluminum (generally less than 0.5%)
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if possible, medical check-up recommended for persistent irritation
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water, seek advice from a healthcare provider for ongoing irritation
Ingestion: Give small amounts of water, do not induce vomiting, observe for symptoms, seek medical guidance as needed
Most Important Symptoms: Dryness, mild eye or skin irritation, coughing from dust exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Agents: Use media appropriate for surrounding fire (water, foam, dry powder, CO2)
Hazards from Combustion: Not flammable, no known hazardous combustion products
Protective Equipment: Standard fire-fighter protection (respirator, gloves, goggles)
Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, gloves, and goggles to avoid irritation
Spill Cleanup: Sweep up using methods that minimize dust, collect in suitable containers for reuse or disposal
Disposal of Waste: Follow local, state, and national regulations for silica waste
Environmental Precautions: Collect material to prevent entry into drains or waterways
Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, avoid generating dust, use dust-resistant containers
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed, store in cool, dry environment away from strong acids or alkalis
Incompatibilities: Hydrofluoric acid, strong bases, strong oxidizers; chemical reactions can occur with release of toxic gases if combined with incompatible substances
Workplace Controls: Use adequate local exhaust ventilation to control dust
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for respirable crystalline silica: 0.05 mg/m3, general exposure for amorphous silica higher (10 mg/m3 as total dust)
Personal Protection: Dust mask or respirator, safety goggles or face shield, non-porous gloves, lab coat or apron
Hygiene Recommendations: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or restroom use; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Appearance: Granular, beads, or powder, colorless to white
Odor: Odorless
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting Point: >1600°C (Quartz form)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
pH: Nearly neutral (6.5-7.2 in water)
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 2.1–2.3 g/cm3
Flash Point: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures
Incompatible Materials: Powerful oxidizers, hydrofluoric acid
Hazardous Decomposition: No hazardous decomposition under normal use
Dangerous Reactions: Reacts with hydrofluoric acid yielding silicon tetrafluoride, a toxic gas
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eyes
Acute Toxicity: Low; slight irritation from dust contact
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to crystalline dust can cause lung disease (silicosis); amorphous form (as in most Type A products) presents significantly lower risk
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogen in amorphous form by OSHA or IARC
Other Risks: No evidence of reproductive toxicity or mutagenic effects
Environmental Fate: Stable, no significant decomposition expected
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to harm aquatic organisms
Persistence: Remains as insoluble particles in natural environments
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect for disposal in compliance with local, state, and national laws
Container Disposal: Empty containers may retain dust residue; dispose as non-hazardous industrial waste
Recycling/Reuse: Reuse when possible by regeneration with heat; otherwise, treat as solid, inert waste
Precautions: Minimize dust generation during transfer or disposal
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous material
Shipping Name: Not restricted
Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: None
Environmental Hazards: No special transport environmental risk information indicated
Special Precautions: Protect packaging from damage to avoid dust spillage
OSHA Regulations: Amorphous silica not regulated as a hazardous substance, crystalline fraction regulated at low occupational exposure limit
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU Regulations: Not classified as hazardous according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP)
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements
California Proposition 65: Not listed, unless containing detectable crystalline silica
Other Local Requirements: Consult regional, state, or national authorities for additional restrictions or requirements
