Is it dangerous to swallow silica gell?

[wicwic]

Is it dangerous to swallow the silica gel that comes in little sachets with new pairs of shoes?

[apex204]

They're designed to keep the leather dry and absorb any moisture in the air. Sticking it in your gut can't do you much good. This is based, however, on what my Dad always told me as a kid... :-D

[heathfield]

Silica gel is similar to quartz and is harmless. However, since it absorbs moisture (rather slowly) it might have the effect of drying the gut. Recognised advice if you swallow rather a lot is to drink a glass of water.

[bellasasha]

it does say in big letters-DO NOT SWALLOW!!!

might give u a clue there!

[wicwic]

What I meant was is silica toxic? I suppose it could also represent a choking hazard if the silica dried up the moisture in your mouth.

[nickmo]

Quote from slica gel maunfacturers site: 'Non-indicating (white) silica gel is non-toxic and non-flammable' but note also the blue gel variety is required by EC law to be labelled 'Toxic' as inhalation is dangerous (and certainly in large quantities) - no comment about swallowing on their site, though the general consensus is 'may cause harm if swallowed' - so don't.

Silica gel is not a gel anyway, but granules or beads that absorb moisture in breathable sachets for food, floristry and packaging industry to avoid moisture - hence mould and damage of the goods.

[shazbang]

cuold i buy silica gel beads to put at the back of my wardrobe or something and if so where would i buy them?

[nickmo]

shazbang - the de-humidifier packs you cab get in diy stores are basically the same thing. You can refresh them by warming the beads in an oven to dry out the silica if they are not in a plastic container.

[ermintrude35]

shazbang pop into your local shoe shop or local department store and ask them for some, they just get chucked out usually, I know I go through loads at work...