Hi

Just read this on our Intranet!!

Self-indicatiing silica gel is a carcinogen

"You aren't going to believe this but silica gel containing cobalt
chloride as a moisture indicator has just been classified as a Class
2 carcinogen  by a new EU Directive.  This is because it contains
about 1% of the cobalt salt, the threshold being 0.1% for it to be
classed as carcinogenic.  There is a non-cobalt alternative on the
market, Crosfield's Sorbsil Chameleon at £8-50 per 1kg plus VAT
plus carriage.

I have to advise everyone to dispose of their old silica gel through
the hazchem waste system and replace it with the new stuff.  Let me
have your requirements for the replacement so that we can buy in
bulk".


well there you go.

Yours


Andrew




Dr A.M.Johnston
SPD
Scottish Crop Research Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee
DD2 5DA
Scotland

Tel No: (44) 1382 562731 ext 3732
Fax No: (44) 1382 562426