Types of desiccants The most common desiccant is silica gel, an otherwise inert, nontoxic, water-insoluble white solid. Tens of thousands of tons are produced annually for this purpose. Other common desiccants include activated charcoal, calcium sulfate, calcium chloride, and molecular sieves (typically, zeolites).

Is desiccant a hazardous material?

Use of proper hygiene practices in the workplace is recommended. Note, There is no health hazard associated with packaged desiccant.

What is desiccant made out of?

Silica gel is a granular, vitreous, porous form of silicon dioxide made synthetically from sodium silicate. Used as a desiccant, it works by a process called adsorption. The water in the air actually absorbs between the tiny passages as the air passes through them.

What is inside desiccant packets?

Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide — a compound naturally found in sand — and has small particles that can absorb large amounts of water. Therefore, desiccant silica gel packets are put in store-bought products to prevent damage due to humidity.

Are desiccant packs toxic?

Silica gel is chemically inert. This means it won't break down in the body and cause poisoning. However, because it won't break down, the gel or packet and gel can cause choking. That's why manufacturers often label them with “Do not eat” or “Throw away after using.”

How do you dispose of desiccant?

Just like cardboard, paper, milk jugs, cans, or similar items, Simple Dry can go directly into your “curbside” recycle bin at home. There are other desiccants that claim to be recyclable or made from recyclable material but how they are manufactured makes it very difficult for them to be recycled.

What are silica gel hazards?

Silica gel causes irritation and redness when contact with the eyes or skin occurs. It becomes painful when the silica gel absorbs fluids around the eye. Inhalation of silica gel is another risk; breathing-in may cause lung irritation, coughing and dyspnoea (short of breath).

How is the silica in desiccants formed?

They are made through a process involving sodium silicate and an acid patented by chemistry professor, Walter Patrick, of Johns Hopkins University in 1919. The mixture forms a gel that is then dried out. It is technically a xerogel but gets shortened to gel even though it is hard, just to confuse people.

Can I reuse desiccant packs?

When this happens, it's common that people don't pay much attention to the desiccant bag and just throw it away. What most people don't realize, however, is that desiccant packs can be reused. The life of these bags depends on the environment that they are exposed to, but most desiccant bags last between 1 and 3 years.

How do you make silica gel packets?

4:4510:55How to Make your own Silica Desiccant Packets for pennies!YouTube