Product Name: Type B Silica Gel, Granular or Beads
Chemical Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O
Synonyms: Silica Gel, Silicon Dioxide Gel, Amorphous Silica
Recommended Use: Desiccant, drying agent for moisture control in packaging, food processing, laboratory, electronics
Supplier Details: Supplier name, address, phone number, and emergency contact for immediate support and shipment tracking
CAS Number: 112926-00-8 (Amorphous)
Emergency Overview: Granular or bead form, blue indicator variety may contain cobalt dichloride; not suitable for inhalation or ingestion, contact with emergency services indicates possible inhalation or spill emergency
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation of dust can irritate respiratory tract; skin or eye contact can cause dryness or discomfort; ingestion is not recommended and may upset stomach, particularly in large quantities
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: Dust can irritate respiratory system and prolonged exposure causes dryness
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, wear protection for eyes and hands during handling, wash thoroughly after handling
Other Hazards: Cobalt-containing indicator beads can pose a health risk, identified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC
Chemical Identity: Amorphous Silica (Silicon Dioxide), 98-99%
Impurities: Water (bound), ≤2%; indicator beads (such as Cobalt Chloride, <0.2%) present in colored varieties
Common Additives: None for plain type; indicator-treated beads only in special applications
Molecular Weight: 60.08 g/mol (SiO₂)
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately; loosen tight clothing, monitor for breathing problems, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open, remove contact lenses after initial rinse; do not rub eyes, consult health provider if discomfort continues
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and avoid reuse until properly laundered
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water to dilute if swallowed and seek medical advice, especially if symptoms appear
Important Symptoms: Respiratory discomfort, dryness, cough, red or irritated skin and eyes
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use any class of fire extinguishing media―water spray, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Not applicable; silica gel is non-flammable
Special Hazards: Silica gel itself does not support combustion, but packaging or impurities may burn and release fumes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus in high-heat or smoky conditions
Additional Information: Silica gel converts to cristobalite at high temperatures (above 1470°C) but this is rarely relevant in typical fires
Personal Precautions: Wear dust masks, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid respiratory and skin contact with spilled granules or dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into streams or sewers; spilled silica becomes slippery when wet and may cause falls
Clean-Up Methods: Scoop or sweep up dry granules, avoiding dust generation; use HEPA-filtered vacuum for residue; place in suitable waste containers for disposal
Spill Reporting: Report any major releases to workplace safety coordinator or environmental office as appropriate
Handling: Minimize dust where possible; keep bags closed between uses; wash hands after handling and avoid eating or drinking while in work areas
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from incompatible substances like hydrofluoric acid, strong oxidizers; avoid moisture intrusion to prevent caking
Special Requirements: Seal containers tightly; segregate from foodstuffs and animal feeds
Shelf Life: Up to 2 years if kept dry, though adsorbent capacity drops if exposed to ambient humidity
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in dusty areas; enclose handling systems if possible
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (United States): 80 mg/m³ / % SiO₂; NIOSH REL: 6 mg/m³ (total dust, not otherwise classified); limits may vary by locality
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or splash goggles, dust mask or particulate respirator (N95 or better), nitrile or latex gloves for extended contact
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after exposure; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
Environmental Exposure Control: Minimize spillage and dust spreading, provide spill drains or catchment trays
Appearance: White, clear, or colored granules or spherical beads depending on indicator used
Odor: Odorless
pH: 4–8 (in water)
Melting Point: Approx. 1600°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 700–800 kg/m³ for standard granules or beads
Solubility: Insoluble in water; may react with strong alkalis
Vapor Pressure: Not measurable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not measurable
Moisture Adsorption Capacity: Up to 40% its own weight, depending on ambient humidity and temperature
Other Information: May contain colored indicators for moisture saturation; color changes signal reduced adsorbent capacity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with hydrofluoric acid, reacts with strong alkalis at high temperature
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid, strong bases
Decomposition Products: None at standard storage or use; converts to crystalline forms at extreme heat
Polymerization: Does not occur
Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity; estimated LD50 (rat, oral) greater than 5000 mg/kg
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged dust exposure has been linked to reduced lung function and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals
Skin and Eye Contact: Dust can dry skin and irritate the eyes
Carcinogenicity: Pure amorphous silica is not classified as a carcinogen; indicator beads with cobalt compounds are considered possible carcinogens by IARC
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (primary), eye contact, dermal contact, ingestion
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Existing respiratory issues such as asthma may be worsened with repeated high dust exposure
Ecotoxicity: Not considered harmful to aquatic or terrestrial organisms in granular or non-dusting forms
Persistence and Degradability: Silica gel persists as inert mineral, will not degrade or bioaccumulate
Mobility: Remains where deposited; insignificant solubility means little water transport
Other Adverse Effects: Cobalt chloride-containing beads should not be released into environment as they can be toxic to aquatic life; packaging or residue may create localized pH changes in large spills
Recommended Disposal Methods: Dispose of uncontaminated plain silica gel with general solid waste
Hazardous Waste Considerations: Cobalt-containing indicator beads classified as hazardous under some local regulations, segregate for specialized disposal
Waste Code: Depending on region, used beads mixed with hazardous contaminants require specialist handling
Packaging Disposal: Boxes, bags, and liners should be cleaned and recycled or managed as general waste unless heavily contaminated
UN Number: Not regulated by DOT, IMDG, or IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Silica Gel, Non-hazardous material
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture during transit, keep dry to maintain adsorptive capacity, prevent spills onto walkways or into drainage systems
OSHA Status: Not specifically regulated as a hazardous substance, but nuisance dust regulations apply
TSCA Status: Listed on the TSCA Inventory
REACH Compliance: Registered, exempt from registration as a naturally occurring substance
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302/304/313 requirements, unless containing cobalt or other heavy metals
California Proposition 65: Pure silica gel not listed, colored beads with cobalt compounds subject to warning, consult state requirements
Other International Regulations: Compliant with EU Directive 67/548/EEC, Canadian WHMIS, GHS; indicator beads treated according to local hazardous waste codes
