Product Name: Silica Gel
Chemical Formula: SiO₂ · xH₂O
Synonyms: Silicic acid, hydrated silica
Recommended Use: Desiccant, drying agent
Supplier Details: Manufacturer contact and address required
Emergency Contact: National emergency phone number
Hazard Classification: Non-flammable, not classified as hazardous by the GHS
Routes of Entry: Inhalation of dust, eye contact, skin contact
Potential Health Effects: Repeated inhalation causes respiratory irritation, coughing, dryness
Label Elements: No pictogram or warning signal word required for non-dusted gel; avoid inhaling fine powder
Precautionary Statements: Use in well-ventilated areas, wear safety gear if dust forms
Chemical Identity: Synthetic Amorphous Silica
CAS Number: 112926-00-8
Concentration: 98% - 100% silicon dioxide
Impurities: Trace minerals, potential residual moisture content
Additives: Blue gel may contain Cobalt(II) chloride (CAS 7646-79-9) at <1% for indicating changes in humidity
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical help for continued discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse with running water for several minutes, consult physician for irritation
Ingestion: Drink water to dilute, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Flammability: Non-combustible
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, CO₂
Hazardous Combustion Products: None expected from silica gel; packaging materials may produce hazardous fumes
Special Equipment: Standard protective gear for firefighters, avoid inhaling dust
Emergency Procedures: Prevent runoff into sewers and use available tools to fight possible surrounding fires
Personal Protection: Wear dust mask, goggles, and gloves
Cleanup Procedure: Sweep or vacuum spilled material to avoid dust generation, store waste in sealed containers
Emergency Measures: Restrict access to contaminated area, ventilate workspace, avoid water contamination
Environmental Protection: Prevent from entering watercourses, no expected ecological harm at spill site under normal handling
Safe Handling: Minimize dust creation, use with adequate ventilation
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-sealed container
Incompatibilities: Store away from strong acids and bases
Stability: Silica gel keeps longer under sealed, moisture-free conditions
Handling Precautions: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for amorphous silica is 20 mppcf (million particles per cubic foot) or 6 mg/m³, NIOSH recommends 10 mg/m³
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator if airborne dust is present
Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical splash goggles
Skin Protection: Use gloves, protective clothing if there is frequent, direct contact
Engineering Controls: Work with local exhaust ventilation or fume hood when creating dust
Appearance: Granular or beaded solid; white, clear, or blue-purple indicating type
Odor: Odorless
pH: Approximately 4–8 (in suspension)
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Melting Point: 1600 °C
Bulk Density: 400–800 kg/m³
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Chemical Stability: Chemically and thermally stable under recommended storage
Conditions to Avoid: Humid conditions, strong acids, alkalis
Incompatible Materials: Reacts with hydrofluoric acid, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal conditions
Reactivity: No dangerous reactions with common substances
Acute Toxicity: Not classified as acutely toxic
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to crystalline silica dust may cause silicosis, amorphous form less hazardous
Irritation: Dust irritated eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Sensitization: No sensitizing effects documented
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic; caution may apply to cobalt-based indicating types
Environmental Fate: Non-toxic to aquatic life, not bioaccumulative
Persistence: Chemically stable, does not degrade in environment
Mobility: Remains in soil, does not leach significantly
Bioaccumulation: No evidence for accumulation in organisms
Ecotoxicity: Cobalt(II) chloride indicator, if present, may cause long-term environmental effects in high concentrations; avoid large releases
Disposal Methods: Dispose as non-hazardous solid waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Reuse: Gel can often be recycled or regenerated by controlled heating
Special Precautions: Do not dispose in waterways; cobalt-containing gel requires hazardous waste handling
UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Protect packages from moisture and rough handling; label cobalt indicator type as required
Regulatory Status: No specific transport regulations for pure gel; labeling required for hazardous ingredients in some regions
OSHA Status: Not hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard for pure gel
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EU Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, except for cobalt-impregnated products (H350, carcinogenic category 1B for cobalt compounds)
Other Regulations: Ensure compliance with country-specific chemical inventories and worker protection legislation
Labelling Requirements: Follow workplace labeling for dust hazard and warning statements about blue indicator type