What happens if you eat silica gel?

You'd be eating a misconception.When Silicon is oxidized, a compound called SiO2 is formed in the form of a gel.SiO2 is commonly found in nature and is also a synthetic material.

There is a quick history lesson before we discuss the consequences of ingestion.During World War I, the absorbent properties of the gel were put to use in gas mask canisters.Walter Patrick, a chemistry professor at the University of Baltimore, patented silica gel in 1919 and joined with a Maryland-based chemical company to further develop it.It wasn't until World War II that Davison began selling silica gel.

It is possible to absorb a lot of water without undergoing a chemical reaction or changing shape.After heating at 250 F for two hours, the granules stay dry to the touch and can be used again.During the war, it was used to keep medicine, military equipment and supplies dry.

It is used in museums and libraries to guard against rust, tarnishing, mold and spoilage and is packaged with leather products, pepperoni, electronics and vitamins.

If you decide to disobey the warning on the packet and eat some food, what will happen?I don't like being anti-climactic, but most likely the answer is nothing.There are some things we'll get to in a minute.

It's basically man-made sand, if you think about it.It's non-toxic.No ill effects have been reported by people who have eaten anything from a few beads to a whole packet.It's almost tasteless, like licking a postage stamp.

Why the warnings?It isn't completely safe, but it is not completely dangerous.The packets come with warnings.

Dehydration is caused by the Silica gel's job of absorbing water as you digest it.It would dry you out in no time if you ate a lot of it.

Silicosis is a lung disease that can be caused by inhaling dust and can cause symptoms such as redness of the skin and lungs.