Friday, 21 July 2017

DIMETHYL FUMARATE in Silica Sachets...!!!!

   Dimethyl fumarate(DMFu) is sensitizing and volatile chemical being added to the furniture/packaging as an Anti-fungal agent. It is biocide used to prevent mould growth on products during transit and storage. It is white crystalline powder and is most frequently supplied in a sachet through which chemicals can be release.

      It is mainly found in desiccants. Which are used to remove moisture and mainly used in packaging industry. There are many types of desiccants used in packaging industry. Silica gel is a most common type in which DMFu is used as an anti-fungal/biocide agent. But nowadays due to the regulations in countries like France, Belgium, Spain, Italy some silica sachets are DMFu Free.
Picture- 3.1
PC- http://www.southerntapes.ie/product/silica-gel-sachets/

      European countries have initiated prohibition for this chemical in many products like, Shoes, Gloves, Bags etc. This chemical can be found in the transportation process of Leather, Shoes, Textile and products made from Bamboo or wood.

      As per the European commission, this chemical is harmful if the concentration of this chemical is greater than 0.1 ppm i.e. 0.1 mg/kg. It may result in severe allergenic skin reactions for some individuals. It is allergic to the Skin (added as a new footwear allergen), eyes, acute respiratory difficulty and it also causes painful dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of diseases that results in inflammation of skin. These diseases are characterized by itchiness, red skin, and a rash.(see picture 3.2). Dimethyl fumarate may cause a serious viral infection of the brain. Common side effects may include: nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain. 
Picture-3.2 
PC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatitis

    Nowadays, People are using silica sachets to maintain freshness, smell and humidity in many products like to protect Photos, to clear foggy windshield, to protect documents, for dryness of makeup bag, inside the tool box, camera bags, dry out wet cell phone etc.

People should take proper precaution while handling silica sachets. Be careful using silica gel packets anywhere in reach of children.
  • If you have kids in your house, DO NOT keep silica gel packets hanging around because these are toxic when eaten.
  • Follow the packet’s warning: “Throw Away.” 
  • Also, be careful when using them near the dinning or kitchen area as well as with pets or in places you keep your food.


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