Desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air to keep products dry. It works by absorbing moisture until saturated. Proper packaging with a barrier is needed to prevent additional moisture from entering and re-saturating the desiccant. When used correctly, desiccant can protect products from moisture damage for many years in a safe, inexpensive and environmentally friendly way. Common forms of desiccant like silica gel pose no health risks.

1. 1. What is Desiccant?
Desiccant is any substance that draws and retains moisture from its environment. Different
desiccant products have different properties, absorption rates, capacities, effective operating
temperature ranges and other considerations. Desiccant is often misspelled as Dessicant
2. Why use Desiccant?
Desiccant is used when humidity and moisture need to be mitigated. Desiccant is typically
an inexpensive, inert and environmentally safe product which very effectively keeps products
dry.
3. How do desiccant products work?
Desiccant will absorb moisture until it is completely saturated. If new air is allowed to pass into the area to be protected, the
desiccant will eventually become saturated or 'full'. Without some type of 'barrier' (typically a bag) to keep more moisture
out, the use of desiccant will be defeated. It would be like throwing a sponge into a lake. This is why when using desiccant
it is important to place the item in a relatively isolated condition. This could range from a well-sealed carton lined with a poly
bag to a full-fledged heat sealed foil barrier bag with desiccant inside. The desiccant will dry the air inside the container and
keep your item dry.
4. How long will Desiccant protect products?
When properly used desiccant should keep products dry for many years. Remember desiccant is like a sponge. The key to a
good result with desiccant is good packaging.
7. What are the benefits of using Desiccant products?
Desiccant products are very inexpensive.
Desiccant products are clean, dry and environmentally safe.
Desiccant products are easy to use and save labor costs.
Desiccant products present virtually no health concerns.
5. Where should desiccant products be used?
Desiccant should be used wherever moisture is detrimental to the product or item. Corrosion and rust can only occur in the presence of
moisture. Desiccant offers a very economical solution to this. The desiccant draws and holds the moisture and your product stays dry and
undamaged.
6. Is desiccant toxic or environmentally unfriendly?
Neither. In fact, those 'do not eat' packets found in vitamin and medicine bottles are silica gel desiccant . They are very safe for contact
with food, medications or items that will come in contact with same. The other most common form of desiccant is actually a super dried
natural clay which is totally inert.
Reference: http://www.roycopackaging.com/public/edu_desiccant.asp