The gel beads in ice packs are usually made of sodium polyacrylate, which can be irritating if swallowed. Some early reusable ice packs contained very toxic substances such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). These types of ice packs have been recalled and are generally no longer available.
Are gel beads toxic to children?
Water-absorbing gel beads sold as children's toys and used in vases and gardens are a growing problem among young children. The non-toxic water beads are called jelly beads, water orbs, hydro orbs, polymer beads and gel beads. When the tiny hard plastic balls are placed in water, they can grow up to 200 times their size.
Are the beads in a packet toxic?
She tore it open and put some of the beads in the packet in her mouth. Are those beads toxic? And what should I do? The good news is that although those packets are stamped with the phrase “DO NOT EAT,” the beads inside aren’t actually poisonous.
Are there any harmful chemicals in ice packs?
Some early reusable ice packs contained very toxic substances such as diethylene glycol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). These types of ice packs have been recalled and are generally no longer available.
What are the dangers of silica gel packets?
Silica gel packets can be found in a wide range of products, such as food, clothing, and electronics. Silica gel is usually non-toxic, but it is a choking hazard, especially for small children. Silica gel packets are frequently labeled with “Do not eat” because of the risk of choking.
Is the gel inside ice packs toxic?
The gel in most freezer packs is non-toxic and biodegradable; it is usually a polymer or cellulose. Some products may also include additives like preservatives, sodium chloride, minerals, water, or dye.
Are gel ice packs toxic to dogs?
Propylene glycol in pure form is typically toxic, but according to the Blue Ice material safety data sheet, the level of glycol present in Blue Ice is not toxic. While the MSDS concerns mostly people, your pup will likely not suffer any ill effects if he eats some of the blue liquid inside.
What chemicals are in freezer packs?
The chemical reactors in these ice packs are typically ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, or urea. Of these, the most toxic ingredient if swallowed is ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate can cause dilation of blood vessels. This can lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of blood flowing to body organs.
What do you do if your dog eats a silica gel packet?
If your pet has ingested silica gel, please contact your veterinarian or APCC for more information. APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.Feb 4, 2016