http://www.care2.com/greenliving/is-silicone-bakeware-safe-ask-annie.html
Is Silicone Bakeware Safe? Ask Annie
Dear Annie,
We want to order bracelets for our convention. The bracelets are made of silicone. I investigated the silicone. From Wikipedia, it seems like a safer product than plastics. Do you have any opinion on this?
– Maryellen, KA
Dear Maryellen,
Thank you for your question regarding the bracelets because it allows me to answer the broader question of silicone safety in general and particularly that of silicone bakeware. Is silicone safe for your wardrobe or your kitchen?
Given that silicone is such a high-volume chemical, it is disturbing to me that there is so little scientific research available about its safety.
The chemical hazard database at Scorecard repeatedly reports that there isn’t enough research to determine the hazards.
We know from an FDA study that women who had silicone breast implants that leaked had a statistically higher incidence of fibromyalgia and when the implants were removed, 97 percent had an improvement in their pain. Breastplantinfo.org notes that an FDA analysis of industry data found a significant increase in neurological symptoms, such as poor concentration, for women who had silicone implants for two years. They also cite research that reports that silicone stimulates an immune response.
What does this have to do with silicone bakeware and bracelets? The oil that makes silicone so malleable is the same oil that leaks from silicone breast implants and emerges, bit by bit, from silicone bakeware and bracelets, according to an engineer who works with it and feels the jury is out about the safety of silicone. He notes that the oil is so strong it takes powerful detergents to remove it. Until I can find otherwise, I am assuming he knows what he is talking about, and I am paying attention.
My conclusion is that the concern about silicone isn’t that it will offgass when it is heated (most bakeware can withstand 500 degrees F before it breaks down), but that very small amounts of migrating silicone oil could get on food, hands and other skin. For this reason, I wouldn’t use it in my kitchen or against my skin until more was learned about the oil. I, for one, need all the cognitive skills I can garner!
This oil has me thinking: Is this oil a greasing substitute and why silicone bakeware is famously advertised as nonstick? And worse, is a bit of the bright, unnatural color, migrating with it, even if in tiny amounts? That can’t be good.
On the other hand, silicone is touted as a great alternative to plastic, which most often contains phthalates, known endocrine disruptors and suspects in breast and prostate cancer. If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose silicone.
What to do for your bracelets? How about the old-fashioned friendship bracelet of braided cotton yarns and ribbons?
More on Ask Annie (77 articles available)More from Annie B. Bond (3172 articles available)
6 comments
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- Barbara L. says
- May 8, 2008 7:17 AM
Hi.
I've had fibromyalgia most of my life. It was first diagnosed about 25 years ago.
I started wearing bracelets (I assume silicon)that proclaim my beliefs (including RANs Treehugger) a couple of years ago. I have not noticed any worsening of my symptoms. With the latest addition I have four that I never take off. I have not noticed any 'oiliness'. I have never had any concern before this as I was told that silicone was safe.
Barb in Florida
- Carmen G. says
- May 8, 2008 5:51 AM
I for one use silicone bakeware and wash it in my dishwasher. I has been in use for a long time in commercial kitchens..
Carmen
- Rachelle Greene says
- May 7, 2008 5:08 PM
the scary thing is that i feel i need to ask everyone how they baked stuff before i will eat it.
i am throwing away my Silpat.
- John E. says
- May 7, 2008 6:46 AM
@Lee in Ohio,
You may want to seek our the Kushi institute to get help with your cancer. Many people have cure themselves naturally in a short amount of time even when conventional cancer treatments could not help them.
I came across a wonderful series of short videos on youtube recently I thought I would share on my blog. The series is titled, “Diet Saved Their Lives”, which is very appropriate as it shows how each person diagnosed with various types of cancer or other terminal illnesses saved their lives by just changing their diet typically in 2 - 6 months.I found the videos to be very encouraging and uplifting…. even life changing for those with a terminal illness, like cancer. Highly recommended to watch for anyone suffering from cancer. I have pulled a couple of videos I liked that you can get started with for anyone that is interested…..
The first Lady was a PhD Student studying physics and was diagnosed with the worse kind of breast cancer and was told she only had months to live. She went to the Kushi institute (Macrobiotic Center) to get help and they cured her in months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c-dRS-N8AM
This next lady was also cured of cancer by Kushi at the Kushi Institute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6bxxtiw65o&feature=related part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PFfWS-yy5g&feature=related part 2
- Lee Sikes says
- May 7, 2008 5:05 AM
Thank you for the input on the silicone bakeware. I am a breast cancer survivor of 5 years, and my cancer has spread to my bones. I have some concerns which this article has addressed. Thank you again.
Lee Ohio
- Hannah Dannenbring says
- May 7, 2008 3:49 AM
Dear Annie, I was not aware that silicone was present in some bracelets. I knew silicone was in breast implants and that it could cause problems if the implants leaked. I also knew silicone was in some bakeware but hadn't given it much thought.
I have fibromyalgia. I don't have breast implants and on the rare occasion when I wear bracelets they are white gold. I do use silicone bake wear.
Also, a warning about the use of plastic for pet food and water dishes. We have several cats who developed feline acne. The first question our veterinarian asked was if we were using plastic dishes. When we said yes he advised that was most likely the cause of the acne. He recommended using only glass or metal for pet dishes. We treated the acne and took his advise regarding the cat's food bowls. We have not had problems with acne again. In peace, Hannah Iowa
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