There are two main types of desiccants, namely calcium oxide and silica gel. Calcium oxide, commonly known as quicklime, can burn the mouth or esophagus if eaten by mistake, and damage the conjunctiva and cornea if splashed into the eyes. Silica gel is translucent and granular. When used as a desiccant, cobalt chloride is added and turns pink after absorbing water. Silica gel is often eaten by mistake because of its beautiful color and shape.

If you take calcium oxide desiccant by mistake, you must not induce vomiting, so as not to cause more burns. You can take milk or water immediately, usually per kilogram of body weight 10 ml, but the total amount should not exceed 200 ml, because drinking too much water will induce vomiting. In addition, do not use any acidic substances for neutralization, because the heat released by neutralization reaction will aggravate the damage. If calcium oxide desiccant spills into eyes, it should be washed from nose to ear with clear water as soon as possible for at least 15 minutes, and then sent to hospital for treatment.

Silica gel can not be absorbed in gastrointestinal tract, but it can be excreted with feces, so it is not toxic to human body, and it does not need special treatment to take this desiccant by mistake. However, we should pay special attention to the fact that there is no mistake in entering the nasal cavity or trachea to prevent more serious consequences.