Silica Gel

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

Note: If your child gets silica gel beads in their eyes, call the Missouri Poison Center for help rinsing the eyes.

Silica gel comes in small paper packets that are in packages for many kinds of items bought at the store. For example, it is often found with shoes and purses, cameras and cell phones, in the pockets of coats and jackets, and in bottles of medicine such as vitamins. Silica gel sometimes looks like little clear, round beads, and sometimes like very small rock crystals. It is a “desiccant” which means it keeps things dry. It pulls water into itself so that mold and musty odors don’t get started and damage the items.

These small packets are often tossed aside when the new items are unpacked at home and used for the first time. A small child may find a silica gel packet and begin to chew on it. They may even eat the small beads. Older children and grown-ups can mistake it for a package of salt that often comes in carryout food.

What if a child eats a silica pack?

Silica gel is not toxic so it will not make your child sick. However, it is not actually food, either, so the paper packets are printed with warnings to “THROW AWAY” and “DO NOT EAT.”

If a small child stuffs the whole paper packet in their mouth, it could make them gag or choke. Call 911 immediately for help if your child is choking on a silica gel packet!

If your child is eating a silica gel packet, just take it away from them and give them a drink of water. If problems start or if you have more questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and for questions, too.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.