Environmental Project No. 1031 – Siloxanes - Consumption, Toxicity and Alternatives

Siloxanes - Consumption, Toxicity and Alternatives

Preface

Siloxanes, the building blocks for silicone products, are widely used chemicals. The siloxanes are characterised by a high stability, physiologic inertness and good release and lubricating properties.

The stability of the siloxanes, desirable from a technical point of view, makes the siloxanes very persistent, and once released to the environment the siloxanes remain for many years.

In recent years studies indicating that some of the siloxanes may have endocrine disrupting properties, and reproductive effects have caused concern about the possible effects of the siloxanes on humans and the environment.

Until now no overview of the use of siloxanes in Denmark has been available.

The purpose of the present project initiated by The Danish Environmental Protection Agency is to assess the use of siloxanes in Denmark and identify potential sources of releases of siloxanes to the environment. Besides the toxicity of siloxanes has been reviewed, and alternatives to some of the groups of siloxanes of concern have been identified.

The project has been followed by a Steering Group consisting of:

Frank Jensen, Danish Environmental Protection Agency (chairman);
Annette Orloff, Danish Environmental Protection Agency;
Carsten Lassen, COWI A/S.

The report has been prepared by Carsten Lassen, Charlotte Libak Hansen, Sonja Hagen Mikkelsen and Jakob Maag, COWI A/S.