What is silica gel and why shouldn’t you eat it?

Have you ever gotten a new toy or pair of sneakers and noticed there’s a little white paper packet inside the box filled with tiny clear balls? It’s called silica gel. But what is this stuff? And why are the little packets labeled “Do not eat?” We asked science professor Mark Lorch to help us find the answer. Got a question that’s left you high and dry? Send it to us at BrainsOn.org/contact , and we’ll offer up a fresh answer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.