Is calcium chloride safe to use as a desiccant for camera gear storage?
Asked 8/15/2023
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I want to reduce humidity in a storage box/cabinet for cameras, lenses, and other electronics. Silica gel is commonly used, while calcium chloride products are often sold for room dehumidification and can absorb a lot of moisture. If calcium chloride is kept in a stable container at the bottom of the space, with separation to catch dust and any liquid it produces, is it safe around camera equipment? How does it compare with silica gel or other desiccants for this kind of gear storage?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
2y ago
2 Answers
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I would avoid calcium chloride as a desiccant around metal/mechanical and electronic devices. Calcium chloride is a great desiccant, don't get me wrong -- a little too good for this application. It will continue to draw water from the air until it dissolves itself (deliquesces), which can cause the solution to overflow a container that was too full when the CaCl2 was dry. Even if the container doesn't overflow, it may be subject to spills if the camera storage cabinet or bag is moved.
I'd recommend silica gel, either packets or loose inside a ventilated container with small enough mesh to retain the beads). This material won't take up as much humidity as calcium chloride, but is chemically pretty inert, won't deliquesce, and can be "recharged" by dry heating (a home oven works fine). There's a good reason almost all commercial dessicants that go inside packaging are filled with silica gel.
Originally by user89902. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user89902
2y ago
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Calcium chloride is generally not a good choice for storing cameras, lenses, or electronics.
The main issue is that calcium chloride is deliquescent: it keeps absorbing moisture until it turns into liquid brine. Even in a container, that creates risk of overflow, leakage, or spills if the box or cabinet is moved. Around metal, mechanical parts, and electronics, that risk makes it a poor fit.
Silica gel is the safer recommendation from the answers. It is much more chemically inert, does not liquefy in normal use, and can be recharged by drying it with heat. It may not remove as much moisture as calcium chloride, but for camera storage its stability and lower risk matter more.
So for camera gear, use silica gel packets or loose silica gel in a ventilated pouch/container that keeps the beads contained. Calcium chloride may work as a general dehumidifier, but it is too aggressive and messy for valuable photo equipment.
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