Tuesday 19 August 2008

Do Not Eat!: Silica Gel



Don't worry! I shan't. Puzzling through unpacked PC bits recently, I came across many packets of this anti tea-time treat. Mustn't eat. Mustn't eat. What's it for then? I have always wondered. Apparently, it regulates local humidity to prevent spoilage. Excellent. Thanks Internet! Boringly, it doesn't appear that allowing even a grain to pass your lips will end your life. Following that reveal I had visions of these lusty spheres soaking up all human moisture, leaving nought but a powdery, regretful mess behind. Oh well. Wiki assures me that rice is a low-tech alternative. You can eat that!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

There are multiple types of silica gels, for different levels of humidity and different applications. Something called food-grade silica gel used in rice bags and other edible product bags actually are less dangerous. Of course, that doesn't mean we can eat them. They are just there to absorb moisture so the stuff they are protecting doesn't get fungus on it. You can try checking out Sorbead India if you decide to go silica gel online shopping!