Silicone rubber is a versatile material that is used in various industries. It is popular for its safety, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. While most silicone rubber products are safe, choosing the correct grade and avoiding products with fillers or additives is essential.
In this article, we will talk about whether Silicone is safe or not, the uses of silicone rubber in different industries, and provide tips for using it safely.
Silicone rubber is made from Silicon, an element found in sand. Silicon is heated to very high temperatures and mixed with hydrocarbons to make silicone. Then, it is processed to form siloxane, which is used to make Silicone. There are many types of siloxanes and silicones, each with different properties and uses.
Most experts agree that silicone rubber is safe. Health Canada says that “there are no known health hazards associated with the use of silicone cookware.” Silicone rubber does not react with food or drinks, nor does it release any harmful gases.
However, not all silicone rubber is the same. Some silicone products may contain fillers, additives, or impurities from the raw materials. These substances could be harmful, especially if the FDA does not approve them for food-grade Silicone. For example, some brightly colored cookware may have unknown fillers and pollutants that consumers are unaware of.
Silicone rubber is also resistant to many common solvents and oils used where food is handled or processed. Some examples are acetic acid, ammonia gas, fish oil, corn oil, ozone, methyl ether, sodium sulfate, tartaric acid, and vinegar. This makes silicone rubber ideal for food preparation and cooking, as it will not be contaminated or damaged by the oils and greases.
The FDA-approved silicone rubber products can be used in kitchens, appliances, and machines that come into frequent contact with food. They must comply with the FDA regulation CFR 177.2600, which covers all food-grade elastomers.
SHer is a video showing the safety of silicone rubber:
We already mentioned above that silicones are generally safe to use. But, some silicones may contain harmful substances. So, it is important to use Silicone safely. To use silicone rubber safely, follow these tips:
When it comes to Silicone, not all grades are created equal. For maximum safety, opt for "food grade" Silicone at the very least. However, choose Silicone labeled as "medical grade" for the highest quality if possible.
If the grade is not indicated, it's always a good idea to inquire about it from the seller. The higher the quality, the less likely chemicals will leach into your food or other substances.
You can perform a simple test to determine if a silicone product has any chemical additives. Pinch and twist the silicone item to see if any white color shines. Pure Silicone should retain its original color throughout, so if you notice any white, it's likely that a filler has been used.
Fillers can compromise the heat resistance of the product and even impart an unpleasant odor to your meals. Additionally, fillers may contain unidentified substances that can contaminate your food. Therefore, choosing silicone products free from fillers or of poor quality is crucial.
Silicone pacifiers and bottle nipples are generally considered safe. However, it's best to avoid putting them in the dishwasher.
Instead, replace them regularly, ideally every six to eight weeks, or when they become worn out or cloudy. If your child doesn't have a natural rubber latex allergy, another safe alternative is natural rubber.
While Silicone can be a safer substitute for nonstick cookware that may contain perfluorinated chemicals, other options such as ceramic, glass, and stainless steel are excellent alternatives.
These materials are known for their durability, heat resistance, and non-toxic properties, making them great choices for your kitchen.
Items like silicone oven mitts, splatter guards, spoons, and potholders are generally safe to use. However, it's still advisable to avoid direct contact with food when using them.
Since these items have minimal contact with food, they pose a lower risk of chemical leaching.
Many businesses require non-toxic rubber materials for their products. By using silicone extrusions, they can produce high-quality items that meet strict health and safety standards. The following are some of the industries that use silicone rubber:
The food industry has strict regulations. The good news? Silicone rubber is FDA-approved and safe to use. It’s non-porous, stable, odorless, hygienic, and toxin-free, making food safe to consume.
Silicone is used in cake molds, packaging, Tupperware, cutlery, food transfer tubes, and meat and dairy processing. Household appliances also use silicone extrusions due to their excellent heat resistance, which helps meet fire and chemical safety standards.
The automotive industry uses extruded Silicone for sealing and protection. As cars have become more powerful over time, they generate more heat and chemicals. Silicone rubber can withstand these conditions With great strength, durability, and resilience.
It’s synthetic and inert, meaning it won’t react with these substances and will maintain its properties for a long time.
Cured silicone extrusions are essential for pharmaceutical and medical equipment. Materials intended for medical use must be chemically resistant, waterproof, biocompatible, hygienic, and easy to manufacture.
Silicone rubber is widely used in medicine distribution, dental equipment, prosthetics, and diagnostics.
Recently, parents have preferred silicone toys over plastic ones. Silicone is stable, non-toxic, and resistant to weather, water, and human contact.
To protect infants from harmful chemicals, children's items like toys, pacifiers, and bottle tops must be safe for them to put in their mouths.
The following is a video of the various uses of Silicone:
Silicone rubber is generally considered safe to use. Its non-toxic nature, high-temperature stability, and chemical resistance make it a popular choice in many industries.
However, it is important to note that not all silicone rubber products are created equal, and some may contain additives or impurities that could pose potential health risks.
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