Silicones are among the most extensively studied materials used in consumer and industrial applications today. More than 1,000 studies have been conducted by silicone manufacturers to assess the safety of silicones relative to workers, consumers, the environment and manufacturing processes. The results of this continued research and testing demonstrate the safety of silicones in their diverse and important applications.
Committed to the responsible use of silicones, the industry continues to evaluate the science behind the material through several rigorous research programs. Research methodologies include modeling, testing, monitoring and other approaches to these assessments.
SEHSC research is concentrated primarily on the most commonly used siloxanes:
- Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
- Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6)
- Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)
- Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
- Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS)
Silicone manufacturers regularly communicate research findings to SEHSC members, customers, government officials and the scientific community.
For more information on Environment and Health Canada’s draft assessment of D4, D5 and D6 under the Chemicals Management Program, click here.
For more information regarding D5 and the California Air Resources Board determination under AB 998, click here.