Child Ate Silica Gel | Illinois Poison Center

If your child ate silica gel: This Illinois Poison Center resource will provide you with quick information about what you need to know and what actions you need to take.

This information applies to children who have unintentionally swallowed a small amount. If the child swallowed more than one mouthful, is having symptoms, or if you are not positive of the exact substance or amount swallowed, call your local Poison Center immediately 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a nurse, pharmacist or physician for recommendations specific to your situation.  The call is free and confidential.

Toxicity Level:  Minimally toxic

Also Known As:  Silicic acid, H2SiO3, desiccant

What It Is:  Silica gel comes in the form of clear round balls in a paper or cloth packet.  The packets are often found in new store-bought products (such as shoes, backpacks and handbags).  The purpose of the silica gel  packet is to absorb water and maintain dryness in these products.

Toxicity:  Silica gel is chemically inert and is considered to be non-toxic.  The concern with this substances it that it can be a choking hazard (this is why these packets often say ‘DO NOT EAT’ on them). If your child is choking on silica gel, call 911 immediately.

About IPC

The helpline is staffed by specially trained medical experts, including physicians, nurses and pharmacists.

The Illinois Poison Center is dedicated to reducing the incidence and injury of poisoning in our communities through immediate expert telephone treatment recommendations, innovative public and healthcare professional education, and focused research.

The IPC serves as the state’s leading source of advanced toxicology training and consultation for healthcare professionals. Working closely with colleges and universities in Illinois, the IPC provides curriculum for nursing, pharmacy and medical students to further their knowledge of toxicology.

The IPC engages volunteers within Illinois communities to help provide the general public with outreach education on poison prevention information on potentially harmful substances. The IPC also partners with public health agencies, such as the CDC, to monitor related hazardous threats.

Click here for more details.  Don't forget to check out IPC's unique "My Child Ate..." resource library.

Contact Details

Illinois Poison Center,

836 W Wellington Ave,

Chicago, IL 60657, United States.

+1 800-222-1222