A doctor has shared insights on the potential effects of consuming the ‘do not eat’ silicone packets often found in packaging.
Generally speaking, if something is labeled ‘do not eat,’ it’s probably wise to heed that warning, yet curiosity may still linger.
As children, we often questioned our parents about what could be harmful to ingest, and these packets were likely a topic of concern.
But just how dangerous are they if ingested?
According to plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn, while eating them isn’t ideal, it’s not as harmful as one might suspect.
Dr. Youn discussed this topic on YouTube, emphasizing that while these packets aren’t safe to eat, the reasons might not align with common assumptions.
In a YouTube short, he inquired, “What happens if you eat a silica gel packet that says ‘do not eat’? Will you die?”
He explained, “The silica packets are in shoeboxes, bags, and pill containers to absorb moisture, filled with silicone beads.
“These silicone beads are technically harmless if swallowed, but a dog or child could choke on them.
“So technically, eating one of these packets can lead to death.”
But hypothetically, if you were to ingest a packet, not much would change in your body.
Silica gel is generally nontoxic and unlikely to cause illness. It typically passes through the body without adverse effects, as noted in a Healthline report.
However, while it may not harm you, it lacks nutritional value and could cause intestinal obstruction if consumed in large amounts.
If someone accidentally ingests it, drinking water might aid in moving the gel into the stomach.
It’s important to note that although most packets are non-toxic, some manufacturers use silica gel coated with cobalt chloride, a toxic substance, as reported by the outlet.
If ingested, this type of silica gel could cause nausea and vomiting.
To stay on the safe side, it’s best to refrain from eating these packets altogether. With such explicit instructions as ‘do not eat,’ it’s wise to leave them untouched.