What kind and where can one buy reusable desiccant for coin storage cases/boxes ?

DeutscherGeist

Hello Fellow Darkside Coin Collectors,

When storing coins in coin capsules, flips, album pages or original mint containers, they will all in turn be stored in a safe, box or room of some sort. It is better to put some desiccant in with the coins to prevent moisture from doing its evil deeds to coins.

I want to purchase some good desiccant that I can reuse. I do not want one time use desiccants as that could be expensive in the long run. Some reusable ones only require to be put in the microwave for a few minutes until the color changes back to original and then one is set to use again until the color change once more demands a trip to the microwave.

Please advise me where I can get the right kind of desiccant so that I do not inadvertently get something that may also cause harm. I don't know what nuances there are for buying the right desiccant.

DeutscherGeist

Is everyone burned out from the coin shows over the weekend? I will wait a few more days. I am sure someone has the scope on these desiccants.

SmEagle1795

I use "Eva Dry", which can be plugged into a wall and recharged, rather than needing to heat the desiccant in a stove. It lasts several weeks in my safe and so far has prevented any change as far as I can tell.

It has a nice visible color indicator as well, to tell you when it needs to be plugged in.

brg5658

Here is a link to the EvaDry website.

and

Here is an example for purchase on Amazon.

DeutscherGeist

Hello Guys,

Thanks for the recommendations and links! I got started with doing some research. The EvaDry products use silica gel. However, it has an added ingredient that allows it to be blue when not saturated with water and slowly turns to color pink when saturated with water. Silica gel is not a harmful chemical, but the indicator chemical that is added is called cobalt chloride. Preliminary studies show it is carcinogenic. The UK has already banned this chemical for consumer products over 10 years ago, but not the USA. I wish EvaDry used the alternate chemical on its silica gel which would indicate dry silica gel appear pink and turn dark green when saturated with water.

I will let everyone know if I find out anything else.

brg5658

Everything is carcinogenic. Don't eat it.

SmEagle1795

<< <i>Everything is carcinogenic. Don't eat it. >>



Indeed - from a quick Googling:
"
Very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, . Hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, sensitizer, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive), of inhalation (lung sensitizer). Non-corrosive for lungs. Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or shortness of breath. Severe over-exposure can result in death. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering."

As long as you aren't handling it, I think you're safe.

DeutscherGeist

I just thought I mention something about cobalt chloride just so we are all informed. However, it is just 1% of the weight of the silica gel. This is a trace amount and its not like we are in direct contact of that chemical as the EDV-500 is sitting in a closet, coin case or safe. Even asbestos is harmless until the moment you disturb it or try to move it causing its dust to proliferate and is breathed in.

I think the employees at the manufacturing plant get exposure to the chemical, not so much the consumer.

I also like some of the smaller devices that you have to place in the oven once it changes colors. Those will come in handy for small coin cases and the like.