Desiccants are familiar to many people. Many foods are damaged by moisture, so desiccants are very useful and are used in many foods. So, are desiccants harmful to humans? According to Shanghai Hengyuan Desiccants:
　　First, we need to distinguish between types of desiccants. There are generally two common types, which can be identified by the form of their components: one is quicklime desiccant, a white, block-like substance that turns into powder when it absorbs moisture; the other is silica gel desiccant, which is a colorless and transparent small ball, some are colored, and look like delicious candy.  
　　Quicklime desiccant, quicklime, or calcium oxide, is an alkaline substance. When it encounters water, it becomes slaked lime. In this neutralization reaction, a large amount of heat is released, causing gas expansion and water expansion, and also producing a certain amount of pressure. When the pressure reaches a certain level, it may cause an "explosion" reaction. Therefore, if lime-based alkaline desiccants are accidentally stepped on, ingested, or accidentally enter the eyes of a child, they may cause damage to the skin, digestive tract, or conjunctiva, especially the eyes.  
　　If it is a colorless and transparent small ball, it is a silica gel desiccant. Silica gel cannot be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and can be excreted in the feces. Generally speaking, it is non-toxic to the human body. No special treatment is needed after accidental ingestion; if it gets in the eyes, rinse with water from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. If a large amount of ferric oxide desiccant is ingested, it may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Symptomatic treatment can be given.  
　　If calcium oxide quicklime desiccant is accidentally ingested, it can easily cause esophageal burns or gastric ulcers. Drink water or milk to dilute and induce vomiting as soon as possible to reduce absorption; however, do not drink too much water to avoid vomiting causing esophageal burns again. For adults, generally 120-240 ml, for children, 10 ml per kilogram of body weight The total amount should not exceed 200 ml; if the skin is accidentally contaminated with quicklime desiccant, rinse with plenty of water; if quicklime desiccant splashes into the eyes, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes.