From the perspective of its properties, silicone products are non-toxic, odorless, and colorless, with a fine texture and no harm to the human body. Counterfeit silicone products, however, often fail to meet these standards-they are typically toxic, emit pungent odors, and have a rough texture. The main component of silicone is silicon dioxide, which is chemically stable and non-toxic. Silicone has strong adsorption capacity and can have a drying effect on human skin. If silicone gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical attention promptly.
Silicone is categorized based on pore size into: macroporous silicone, coarse-pore silicone, type B silicone, and fine-pore silicone. Due to differences in pore structure, their adsorption characteristics vary. Coarse-pore silicone exhibits higher adsorption capacity under high relative humidity, while fine-pore silicone adsorbs more than coarse-pore silicone under low relative humidity. Type B silicone, with a pore structure between coarse and fine pores, has an adsorption capacity that falls between the two.
Is Industrial Silicone Toxic?
Industrial silicone contains bacteria and heavy metals, making it highly toxic and unsuitable for consumption.
Experts explain that silicone can maintain elasticity within a temperature range of -65°C to 200°C, offering excellent electrical performance, chemical stability, water resistance, ozone resistance, weather aging resistance, moisture resistance, shock resistance, and non-corrosiveness, making it widely applicable. It is primarily divided into industrial and medical grades. Industrial silicone gel is mainly used in products like computer and mobile phone keypads, while medical-grade silicone is used as a filling material, such as in breast or nose augmentation.
Superficially, the two appear almost identical. However, medical silicone gel requires extremely high raw material standards and must undergo special purification processes to remove over 30 types of bacteria, heavy metals like copper, iron, and mercury, and various impurities.
If industrial silicone is used directly on the human body without purification, it can cause multiple complications, such as inflammation, ulcers, and heavy metal poisoning. Excessively high heavy metal content may even lead to death. If the material ruptures or degrades, the released substances may be carcinogenic. For processing, increase the material thickness or reduce the temperature if necessary.
Effects of Industrial Silicone on the Skin
Silicone has strong adsorption capacity and can dry out human skin. Therefore, protective workwear should be worn during handling. If silicone enters the eyes, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical treatment promptly. Exposed skin should be moisturized with hydrating products. Industrial lubricants contain additives or base oils that may include trace amounts of toxic substances, though in minimal concentrations. If not ingested and only in contact with the skin, there is generally no cause for concern-washing thoroughly is sufficient. However, for individuals in this industry who are frequently exposed, it is advisable to take protective measures to minimize direct contact with such oils, as they do carry some level of toxicity.
