In more industrial contexts, silicone is commonly used for insulation, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, gaskets, filters, medical applications (e.g., tubing), and casing for electrical components. Silicones have plasticlike properties: flexibility, malleability, clarity, temperature resistance, and water resistance. Like plastic, they can be shaped or formed and softened or hardened into practically anything. Since they’re easy to clean, nonstick, and nonstaining, they’re popular for cookware and kitchen utensils, too. Many experts and authorities consider silicones to be nontoxic and safe for contact with food and drink. For example, Health Canada states: “There are no known health hazards associated with use of silicone cookware. Silicone rubber does not react with food or beverages, or produce any hazardous fumes.” While the scientific evidence is weak in pointing a smoking gun at silicones, the questions and uncertainty are there, so it’s worth keeping a close eye on them—especially given the growing concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Siloxanes are also present at detectable levels in land, air, and water, and given their durability, they tend to persist in the environment for a long time. Therefore, just like plastics, not only can silicone only be down-cycled, but most of it just ends up in landfills where it won’t biodegrade for hundreds of years
