Health and family
The small white bags that come in the products we buy, called gel silica bags, are used to absorb moisture and conserve our things in good condition.
The main function of gel silica bags is to absorb moisture. (Free Press Photo: Freepik)
Regardless of what to buy, be it a technological device, a backpack or shoes, you are very likely to find a small bag with some balls inside. These are silica gel bags and, although they seem to have no use, experts indicate that they absorb moisture, prevent corrosion, deterioration or mold growth.
The silica gel is silicon dioxide, synthetically manufactured from sodium silicate, a compound derived from soluble glass, indicates José Zacarías, biologist chemical.
“We see them in most of the products we buy. Their main function is to control moisture levels and are placed in the products because it is not known how long they will be saved and under what conditions, so gel silica bags help preserve them in good condition,” adds Zacarías.
History indicates that gel silica was used in World War II to protect from moisture military and pharmaceutical supplies.
The biologist chemist makes the clarification that the silica gel is not toxic. The bags often say “not ingest” because it could cause suffocation for their small size. However, some bags contain cobalt chloride, which helps to show when a bag is wet, since it makes the balls become pink with moisture. This chemical is toxic.
What are gel silica bags for
Its main function is to prevent moisture from a closed space, such as a cardboard box, increase; since it has the ability to absorb up to 40% moisture.
Although we commonly see it in the packaging of the things we buy, it can be used to avoid the humidity and deterioration of other products, says Ángela Flores, an industrial engineer.
- Protect silver: The necklaces, earrings and silver bracelets usually become black in the face of moisture. Place two (or more) gel silica bags in your jeweler would help not to store so much moisture and your jewels maintain their brightness and cleaning.
- Take care of your photographs: Because printed photographs are no longer so common, it is important to take care of them. Place your photo albums in boxes with several of these sachets to keep in perfect condition those memories that always make you smile.
- Avoid bad odors: Including them in the briefcase that leads to the gym or swimming, where he keeps wet clothes, would help prevent bad odors because gel silica would absorb moisture.
- Protects your camera: The enemy of some electronic devices is moisture. In the case of camera lenses, it is recommended to include at least one gel silica bag to prevent moisture in the chamber’s goal.
- Save your cell phone if you get wet: Although many people work to put the cell phone in rice when it falls into the water, experts indicate that gel silica could also be useful. Place your technological apparatus inside a hermetic bag with several gel silica sachets would absorb moisture.