Siloxanes - Consumption, Toxicity and Alternatives - Miljøstyrelsen

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As regards human exposure the use of siloxanes in breast implants, baby-care
products (e.g. in nipples) and siloxanes used as antiflatulent is of particular
importance.
The major part of the siloxanes will be disposed of with municipal solid waste
or medical waste for incineration. A minor part, used as antiflatulent, will be
released to municipal wastewater.
2.2.10 Paper coating
Silicones are used for paper coating, primaryly to coat release papers, films
and foils and as a backing of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels and tapes.
Consumption
Based on Will et al. 2003 the total consumption for paper coating can be estimated
at 210 t, broken down into thermal curing paper backing (140 t), UV
curing for foil backing (40 t) and electron beam curing mainly for foils backing
(20 t).
In the Danish Product Register a total of 9 t siloxanes were registered as surface
treatment agents for paper, cardboard, etc.
Siloxanes used
In the Danish Product Register 32 different siloxanes are registered as agents
for paper coating. The main siloxanes are poly(dimethylsiloxane) and
poly(dimethylsiloxane), reaction products with silica.
Fate of the siloxanes
Siloxanes used in paper coating will be disposed of to municipal solid waste
for incineration.
2.2.11 Other uses of silicone elastomers and resins
Other uses of silicone elastomers and resins not covered elsewhere include the
following:
• Automotive applications (hard-coat coatings for protecting of polycarbonate
windows, mirrors and headlamp lenses, protecting of plastic trim,
electronics, airbag coatings, seat belt adhesives);
• Electrical fittings (cable accessories and insulators);
• Domestic appliances (gasketing, electronics, sealing and potting applications
in household appliances like owens, irons and refrigerators) ;
• Consumer goods (diving masks and other scuba equipment, protective
masks, earplugs, baking tins, consumer products packaging, showerhead
membranes, soft-touch products (e.g. pencils), spatulas, etc.);
• Food/packaging (fruit labels, bakery papers, wrappers for candy, chewing
gum, meat and frozen food);
• Business machines (small computer keypads);