Silica gel - safe to keep in bag?

[johnnypanic]

Hi,

just seen this new product -

http://translate.google.com/transla.../product_info.php?cid=351&pid=1190&prog=index

I've always kept silica gel packs in my camera bag, just started wondering, is this a safe and sensible thing to do?

 

[SimonBalaam]

I've always chucked it away as I've always been told its poisonous

 

[guybrush]

I've always chucked it away as I've always been told its poisonous

I don't think the camera is planning on eating it to be fair..

 

[mipevo6]

It is fine...

we all should to keep things nice and dry... As long as you don't start chewing it you should be fine

 

[johnnypanic]

It is fine...

we all should to keep things nice and dry... As long as you don't start chewing it you should be fine

There goes my plan for silica sandwiches

 

[SimonBalaam]

I don't think the camera is planning on eating it to be fair..

LOL you cheey g1t

No I was always told to wash my hands after handling the sachets.

 

[simonw]

Cantsee the point of keeping the gel in your camera bag unless it is going to be sealed up for some time. The number of air changes it will expereince in normal use will be more than the silica can cope with.

 

[OutLore]

Is it just me or does that product look like a painted Starbucks coffee cup lid?

 

[hollis_f]

I've always kept silica gel packs in my camera bag, just started wondering, is this a safe and sensible thing to do?

Safe? Yes. Sensible? No.

Silica gel works by absorbing water from the atmosphere. But it can only absorb so much. Within a few days it will be saturated and no longer working. It is however, extremely safe stuff. So it's OK to leave it in your bag - but it ain't going to be doing anything useful while it's in there.

 

[hollis_f]

I've always chucked it away as I've always been told its poisonous

If it were the sort without Cobalt Chloride in there as an indicator I wouldn't balk at eating a spoonfull of the stuff. With the indicator I'd limit myself to a pinch.

It's not very harmful at all. It's probbaly less poisonous than a Pot Noodle.

 

[SamP]

It's not very harmful at all. It's probbaly less poisonous than a Pot Noodle.

Cant fault that logic!

 

[SLRist]

If you get the stuff which changes colour when it's saturated, you can bake it in the oven to dry it out again.

 

[maninsuitcase]

I have had a couple in my bag for six months but I am going to chuck them when I remember, not because they aren't doing much but because they look like they are about to wear through and make a mess.

 

[johnnypanic]

I've a few of the bigger ones, in my camera bag, at the moment. But must remember to keep an eye on them.

 

[neil_g]

unless its the rechargable kind that can go in the oven then its a pointless exercise unless your bag is air tight.