What does silicium do in the body?

Silicium

Silicium dioxide also known as silica is one of the most complex and most abundant families of materials, existing both as several minerals and being produced synthetically. Notable examples include fused quartz,crystal, fumed silica, silica gel, and aerogels. Applications range from structural materials to microelectronics to components used in the food industry (E551)

Health effects Silicium dioxide (crystalline silica) >>

Inhalation / direct contact

• Irritation to respiratory tract and mucous membranes
• bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Including lung cancer in miners, granite workers, potters, builders
• Damage alveoli
• Eye irritation
• Autoimmune diseases
• Myco-bacterial and fungal infections

Silica in breast implants

In breast implants fumed amorphous silica is used as a filler.

Although it is from the same source as silicium dioxide it was always claimed that amorphous silica (much smaller particles than crystalline silica) was safe.

Recently, more and more research on the amorphous form of silica also known as SAS (synthetic amorphous silica) or nanosilica is done.

Although used for many years in food and medical devices little was known about the toxicity >> 2015 >>2014

Scientific research

Determination of siloxanes, silicon, and platinum in tissues of women with silicone gel-filled implants. >>

Elevated serum silicon levels in women with silicone gel breast implants. >>