What can be an alternative for silica gel, i heard its dangerous!?
Another common desiccant is calcium chloride, CaCl2. Silica gel is Na2SiO3, and is “non-toxic, non-flammable and chemically unreactive”. Some silica gel may be mixed with cobalt (II) chloride, which can be used to indicate the presence of water. It changes color when hydrated or dry. Cobalt is poisonous. The silica gel packages may also contain fungicides which are poisonous. Otherwise, the silica gel by its lonesome is pretty benign. It’s the added chemicals that pose a problem if ingested. The bottom line is to follow that suggestion on the package, and “DO NOT EAT”.
