What is Desiccant Silica Gel?
As a “desiccant,” silica gel is utilized to keep objects dry. Small particles of silicon dioxide, a substance naturally present in sand, are used to create silica gel, which has a high water absorption capacity. Desiccant silica gel packets are therefore included in store-bought goods to prevent damage from humidity. Packets of silica gel are frequently found in the following items:
- Clothes (e.g., coats, shoes, and hats)
- Electronics (e.g., cellphone and camera boxes)
- Medication or vitamin bottles
- Foods (e.g., packets of dry fruit and beef jerky)
Because poison control centers have noted an increase in cases of people accidentally eating silica gel packets, manufacturers frequently mark packets “Do not eat.” Most cases involve young children.
Is Silica Gel Toxic?
Although non-toxic, silica gel can cause choking in young children.
Manufacturers do, however, occasionally cover silica gel in cobalt chloride, a hazardous substance. Silica gel coated with cobalt chloride is likely to make you feel sick to your stomach. Dark blue when dry and pink when wet, cobalt chloride is used as a moisture indicator. Cobalt chloride-coated silica gel isn’t usually used for consumer products.
What Happens if You Eat Silica Gel?
Children may mistake silica gel for food or candy and consume the entire packet or just the silica gel. Adults occasionally confuse silica gel packets with the typical salt or sugar packets found in takeout food.
Desiccant silica gel is chemically inert, meaning that ingesting it accidentally shouldn’t harm you or your child because it won’t decompose and poison you. The majority of the time, silica gel will be absorbed by your body without having any negative effects. .
However, this does not imply that consuming silica gel is completely risk-free. Desiccant silica gel is a choking hazard. Desiccant silica gel also has the potential to obstruct the digestive tract when consumed in large amounts. This is why producers frequently write “Do not eat” or “Throw away after using” on the packets.
In rare cases, other toxic components (e. g. The packets of silica gel contain strong alkali, cobalt chloride, and other contaminants. Therefore, it is important to check for any symptoms (e. g. , nausea, and abdominal pain) following consumption of the silica gel
What Should You Do if You Eat Silica Gel?
It’s crucial to drink water to help silica gel pass through the stomach if you or your child accidentally eats it. You should then continue to monitor for any symptoms.
Get immediate medical help for your child if they are choking, and then take the following actions:
- For children aged over one year, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
- Use the infant Heimlich maneuver on children under one year of age.
To avoid pushing the packet into your child’s airway, avoid putting your fingers in their mouth.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
The dehydration brought on by ingesting silica gel may cause irritation of the nose and throat, as well as stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. You should seek medical attention if:
- The silica gel beads are blue or pink (i. e. , coated in cobalt chloride).
- You have vomited repeatedly or cant keep food down.
- You have stomach pains and/or are having trouble passing stool or gas
Stomach aches and difficulty passing gas or stool may be signs of an intestinal obstruction brought on by the silica gel packet.
What Should You Do if Silica Gel Gets in your Eyes?
Silica gel can irritate your eyes. Therefore, you must rinse your eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
Top doctors in ,
The Most Irresponsible Thing I Own
FAQ
What happens if you eat the oxygen absorber packet in beef jerky?
Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet, which is why it is marked “do not eat.” It also causes digestive tract irritation and directly corrosive effects. One of the initial symptoms of poisoning after ingestion is vomiting, whether it contains blood or not.
What is the packet inside beef jerky?
The packet inside beef jerky is actually an “oxygen-absorber. These absorbers contain iron powder, which rusts as a result of a chemical reaction with the oxygen in the packaging. The absorber is “loaded” when the iron powder has fully rusted and oxidized, at which point the absorption ceases.
What happens if your dog eats the do not eat packet?
To prevent moisture damage, silica gel packets are used as a desiccant (drying agent). These packets are frequently marked with the phrase “Silica Gel Do Not Eat.” Depending on how much is consumed, silica gel can cause gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Are silica gel packets toxic?
Silica gel packs can be found inside of medicine bottles, purses, and boxes containing new shoes or electronics. The packets either contain tiny gel beads or granular silicic acid, which resembles sand. Silica gel is non-toxic, so consuming it won’t make you sick.