What is the reason silica gel is kept in happydent?

Many of the things I buy contain little packets of crystals. Some of them actually say 'Silica Gel' on them, but many are unlabeled or say something like, 'Do not eat.' I have found these packets in electronics, vitamins and even in some pepperoni I bought last week! What is this stuff? Is it poisonous? read more

Desiccant silica gel packet Karam Miri/Hemera/Thinkstock Little packets of silica gel are found in all sorts of products because silica gel is a desiccant-- it adsorbs and holds water vapor. In leather products and foods like pepperoni, the lack of moisture can limit the growth of mold and reduce spoilage. read more

This is the reason most silica gel packets are labeled as dangerous or poisonous when eaten. Crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis but synthetic amorphous silica, which is what silica gel is, does not cause silicosis. read more