"Silicon dioxide is a trace mineral found naturally in many plant foods and is added to many multivitamin supplements. It is necessary for healthy bones, skin, hair and nails. Silicon dioxide is often added to processed foods to keep them fresh and appetizing. You can find the important mineral in foods sources.
1. A food additive
Silicon dioxide is added to powdered foods and other health food supplements to keep other ingredients from binding together. For example, manufacturers add silicon dioxide to salt and many spices to keep those dry substances from clumping.
2. Health benefits
Silicon dioxide is critical for the development of strong nail, bones, teeth and hair. Research indicates that a lack of this mineral may lead to arthritis, poor bone formation, unhealthy skin and poor tooth development. Silicon dioxide also counteracts the effects of aluminum in the body, which may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
3. Health concerns
Because silicon dioxide is a crystal, it can be an eye irritant if direct exposure occurs. When eyes are exposed to this mineral, the result will be red and watery eyes. If skin is directly exposed to silicon dioxide, the skin may become irritated and itchy. If silicon dioxide is inhaled over time such as can happen with miners, lung damage and potentially lung cancer may result.
4. Food safety
When used in food, the proportion of silicon dioxide to food must be strictly controlled. The mineral should be no more than 2 percent of the total weight of the food. It is also critical that the particle size of silicon dioxide be within limits defined by the Food and Drug Administration.
Other Silicon Dioxide Uses
In addition to its use in food, there are also manufacturing uses for silicon dioxide. These include:
1. Electronics
Silicon dioxide has an extremely high melting point so is useful in electronics where high heat is produced. The mineral is essential for manufacturing fiber optic cables, semi-conductors, and insulation for wires.
2. Conversion of energy
Silicon dioxide has piezoelectric properties. These properties allow the mineral to convert one form of energy to another. For example, silicon dioxide allows mechanical energy to be converted to electrical energy. This conversion of energy enables television and radio stations to transmit signals.
3. Glass
Silica is one of the primary components of glass. Mixed with soda and boron oxide, silicon dioxide creates glass that is highly heat resistant. Thus, in addition to other glass products, silicon dioxide is critical in the creation of heat resistant cooking utensils.
4. Cement
Silicon dioxide is critical in the production of cement. Cement is added to other ingredients to make concrete -- the building block of much of the world's infrastructure.
5. Refractory materials
Finally, silicon dioxide is critical for production of refractory materials. These materials used in building and other areas are highly shock resistant."
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@ New Health Guide
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