The $30 million question: does silicone have microplastics?

Microplastics have become a growing concern in everyday kitchens, pushing many consumers to swap plastic containers and traditional nonstick cookware for 'cleaner' alternatives like glass, stainless steel, and silicone. But as more people build lower-tox kitchens, one question keeps coming up: does silicone have microplastics?

According to a recent report, siicone is a synthetic, man-made polymer built from repeating chains of silicon and oxygen atoms. Its raw ingredients include silicon (deirved from sand), oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.

Who's on the fence?

While some experts see silicone as a better alternative to disposable plastics, others are more cautious. Dr. Michael Erdle, a professor of chemistry at RMIT in Naarm/Melbourne, defines microplastics as particles ranging from 5 millimeters down to 1 nanometer. He believes that silicone products are often 'quite inert and don't break down very easily.'

However, Dr. Jennifer Lavers, a marine biologist and microplastics researcher, is more skeptical. 'So, it's definitely a good alternative, and would require a bit more to fragment. But I wouldn't feel comfortable saying, yep, go for silicone all the way,' she said.

The science is still evolvnig

While experts generally see silicone and microplastics as less concerning than traditional plastic,the science is still evolving. Not all silicone products are equal, and experts recommend looking for products labeled '100% food-grade silicone' or 'LFGB-certified.'

It's also important to note that pure food-grade silicone is usually translucent or cloudy white. Bright colors mean pigments have been added – not automatically dangerous, but less regulated in low-quality products.

What's next for silicone?

As the debate over silicone's safety continues, researchers are calling for more long-term studies to fully understand how silicone particles behave after years of heavy use and repeated heating.. In the meantime, experts recommend replacing silicone that becomes sticky, cracked, oily, or brittle, and avoiding sharp utensils that can tear the surface.