A desiccant is a substance that absorbs and holds moisture from the air, creating a dry environment within a sealed package. These small packets are commonly found in packaged goods, ranging from food and medicine bottles to electronics and leather products. Their primary function is to prevent spoilage, corrosion, or degradation caused by humidity. While the prominent “Do Not Eat” warning can cause alarm, the most frequent desiccant material, silica gel, is largely non-toxic if accidentally swallowed. The warning is primarily a precaution against choking, not an indicator of chemical poisoning from the main ingredient.
Understanding the Composition of Desiccants
The contents of a desiccant packet can vary, but three materials are most common in consumer goods, each with a different risk profile. Silica gel is the most widely used desiccant, composed of silicon dioxide, a chemically inert material similar to sand. Since silica gel does not break down or react within the body, it is considered non-toxic, and small amounts will pass through the digestive system without effect.
Another frequent desiccant is activated clay, often bentonite clay, which is also non-toxic and used in products like food packaging. This natural material consists of aluminosilicate clay and absorbs moisture through its layered structure. Both silica gel and clay desiccants pose a low risk of chemical toxicity.
A less common, but more hazardous, material is calcium chloride, a white crystalline salt used in some dehumidifiers and industrial packaging. Calcium chloride is a hygroscopic salt that absorbs moisture aggressively and can release heat when it dissolves in water, which can be irritating. The danger often lies not in the desiccant itself, but in additives, such as cobalt chloride, which is sometimes used as a moisture indicator to make the beads blue or pink.
Physiological Response to Ingestion
Once ingested, the body’s reaction depends on the desiccant type and the amount consumed. The mechanical presence of the packet or the desiccant beads presents the most immediate danger, especially the risk of choking or obstruction in small children. The physical size of the entire packet, or a large cluster of beads, can block the throat or become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract.
Silica gel and clay desiccants are chemically inert and will not be absorbed into the bloodstream. Because these materials absorb moisture, they can cause localized irritation by drying out the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. This moisture absorption can lead to mild symptoms like dry mouth, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting due to the bulk of the swallowed material. Large quantities of silica gel can swell slightly and may cause intestinal obstruction or constipation.
Ingestion of calcium chloride presents a more serious set of risks. When calcium chloride contacts the moist tissues of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, it can cause severe irritation and potential chemical burns. The resulting irritation can lead to vomiting and gastrointestinal distress. In extreme cases involving large amounts, especially in concentrated liquid form, it can cause severe electrolyte imbalance, specifically hypercalcemia, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Necessary Actions and When to Seek Help
If a desiccant packet has been swallowed, the first action is to contact Poison Control immediately by calling 1-800-222-1222. The experts can determine the risk level based on the specific type and amount of desiccant ingested, along with the age and weight of the person. Keep the original packaging if possible, as this information is needed to determine the desiccant’s exact composition.
Immediate emergency medical attention is required if there are any signs of airway obstruction or severe distress. These signs include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or any indication of choking. Emergency care is also needed if the desiccant is known or suspected to be a corrosive substance, such as calcium chloride.
Other severe symptoms that demand an emergency room visit include repeated vomiting, high fever, intense abdominal pain, or blood in the vomit or stool. These symptoms can indicate a more serious issue, such as a physical obstruction or a chemical burn to the digestive tract. For non-corrosive desiccants like silica gel, Poison Control may advise drinking a small amount of water to help the material pass through the system while monitoring for developing symptoms.