What happens if you swallow a packet of silica gel?

What happens if you swallow a packet of silica gel?

Touching the substance in the opened packet and then touching the eyes can cause eye irritation as well. Once in the stomach, the silica gel may cause dehydration or an upset stomach for the person who swallowed the substance. If the product is chewed before swallowing, the product may also be inhaled, causing a cough.

What happens if your dog eats silica gel?

Pet food and toy manufacturers may use silica gel packets to preserve their products. Because the products can smell like food or treats, animals may accidentally ingest the packets. They aren’t usually toxic to pets either, but they may cause nausea and vomiting.

Can you choke on silica gel if you eat it?

While silica gel is usually nontoxic if ingested, some people have choked on it. For this reason, manufacturers label them “Do not eat.”

What do you need to know about silica gel?

Two packets of silica gel. Considerations. Silica gel packs, used in the packaging process of many products to keep out moisture, come with warning labels. Some of the products that use the packets include leather shoes, food, electronics and medications. By keeping out moisture, this desiccant helps prevent mold, mildew and corrosion.

How does silica absorb moisture?

The Silica Gel beads absorb moisture through the porous packet material. The Silica Gel, made from sodium silicate , is a highly porous substance that can absorb up to 40% of its own weight, which makes this the highest absorption capacity of any commercially used Desiccant .

What happens if silica is eaten?

If eaten, silica gel can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea -depending on the quantity consumed. Some silica gel packets may be fairly large, and if ingested, could potentially cause obstruction in the intestinal tract.

Are silica gel packets poisonous?

Silica gel by itself is non-toxic and, if a child or animal ingests some, they will often be fine. Silica gel packets may present a choking hazard, so close observation should be maintained and medical assistance sought if choking occurs. Otherwise, the main danger typically comes mainly from poisonous additives.

Is silica poisonous?

The answer is that some silica contains toxic additives. For example, silica gel beads may contain poisonous and potentially carcinogenic cobalt(II) chloride, which is added as a moisture indicator.