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Is Silica Safe?
Healthy Child
Friday, January 08, 2010
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QUESTION:
I can't seem to get a straight answer about Silica...I notice that it is used in just about any supplement I purchase. Is this form of Silica dangerous?
ANSWER:
Silica is the chemical compound silicon dioxide, an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, as well as in the cell walls of diatoms (as in diatomaceous earth. It is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust.
Silica is used primarily in the production of window glass, drinking glasses and bottled beverages, as well as optical fibers for telecommunications. It is a primary raw material for many ceramics including earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, and industrial Portland cement.
Silica is common additive in food products, where it is used primarily as a flow agent in powdered foods, or to absorb water.
I know of no harmful effects from digesting silica in foods or supplements. In fact, it is sold as a mineral supplement.
Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to breathing large amounts of crystalline silica, such as amounts you would be exposed to in workplace exposures.
It is not toxic, it is a particle hazard. You wouldn't be exposed to this amount at home.
Debra :-)
This answer was provided by our friend, Debra Lynn Dadd. Hailed as "The Queen of Green" by the New York Times, Debra Lynn Dadd has been a pioneering consumer advocate since 1982, specializing in products and lifestyle choices that are safer for human health and the environment. She is the author of Home Safe Home.
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.
Posted by Annette on 08/22/2011 at 10:51 AM
Hi! I recently read a post from the Cancer Prevention Coalition that states the following in one of it’s internet articles:
“Some silica used in cosmetics, especially amorphous hydrated silica, may be contaminated with small amounts of crystalline quartz. Crystalline silica is carcinogenic.”
The article can be read at:
http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/cosmetics/cosmetics_personal_care.htm
I am confused, because I have seen silica powder given as supplements for hair and nails, amongst other healthy benefits for the body. Can you clarify?
Posted by Alex on 09/09/2010 at 01:29 PM
Jon,
I’d be more worried about the Aluminum Oxide and Vinyl Polymer.
Posted by Jon on 05/17/2010 at 07:17 AM
I recently used hydraulic cement to fix a crack in the cement wall of my pool. Some of the mixture seeped into the water itself (approx. 5oz.) I noticed that it contains silica and was worried.
Is there a health concern - as pool water is often swallowed? Despite the considerable expense, I’d empty the pool and refill it if there was a concern, but don’t want to do so if it’s perfectly fine.
Thanks for your help.
A full spec sheet of what it contains is:
http://www.kwikmix.com/PreMix/HYDRAULIC_CEMENT.pdf
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Posted by Janelle Sorensen on 08/23/2011 at 11:35 AM
Annette -
It appears the difference is in whether it is crystalline silica (not so safe) or hydrated silica (safe).
The only potential risk involved in using hydrated silica is that it could be sourced in such a way that it is contaminated by crystalline silica. Ask the manufacturer of whatever product you are using if they require their supplier for this ingredient to use a test method called X-ray diffraction to conclusively prove that the hydrated silica purchased is not contaminated by crystalline silica.
Hope that helps!