Silicones have become enormously popular in recent years and are marketed as safe replacements for traditionalplastics.
What are silicones?
Siliconesor siloxanes, as they are also knownare something of a hybrid between synthetic rubbers and synthetic plastic polymers.
Silicones have plasticlike properties: flexibility, malleability, clarity, temperature resistance, and water resistance.
Like plastic, they can be shaped or formed and softened or hardened into practically anything.
How are silicones different from silicon?
Like any plastic polymer, silicones are synthetic and include a mix of chemical additives.
The key differentiator from carbon-based plastics is that silicones have a backbone made ofsilicon.
I know, confusing!
Silicaor silicon dioxide1is what they are referring to.
Silica is the raw material used to make silicone resins.
Beach sand is practically pure silica, as is quartz.
It is made by heating silica at very high temperatures with carbon in an industrial furnace.
The quality of these silicones can vary greatly depending on the level of purification.
For example, the silicones used to make computer chips are highly purified.
Are silicones toxic?
While the research indicates that silicones are certainly very stable, they are not completely inert.
In other words, there is a possibility of leaching.
Siloxanes are consideredpotential endocrine disrupters, and some have been linked to cancers.
Many experts and authorities consider silicones to be nontoxic and safe for contact with food and drink.
Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes."
Recyclability of silicone
Silicone poses an environmental threat because it is rarely recycled.
