Silicones

Abstract

Linear polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), often commonly referred to as “silicones,” “siloxanes,” “organosilicones,” or “organosiloxanes,” are polymeric organosilicon substances composed of dimethylsiloxy units with trimethylsilyl end groups. This class of PDMS may best be represented by the main CAS number [ 63148‐62‐9 ], although other CAS numbers [( 9016‐00‐6 ) and ( 63394‐02‐5 )] may be considered representative of this class of compounds. PDMS are manmade organosilicon compounds that range from low molecular weight volatile materials to high molecular weight polymeric materials. Silicones have a wide range of applications found in all areas of everyday life. The chemical, rubber, plastics, and construction industries make up the majority of the total market volume. Results from studies conducted in animals following oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure indicated minimal adverse effects, with no significant increase reported in mortality or malignant or benign tumors. Due to the wide use of PDMS fluids in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and implants studies in humans have been conducted. The overall weight of medical and scientific evidence supports the conclusion that PDMS fluids used in food, drugs, and cosmetics, as well as in implants, at the concentrations currently in the marketplace, are not associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects.