Silicone polymers,
cyclic siloxanes (e.g., octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) and other alternatives to oils warrant some concern.
«They [
cyclic siloxanes] are much different compared to other environmental chemicals,» McLachlan said.
The accumulation potential and toxicity of
cyclic siloxanes are debated by scientists and industry representatives.
The airborne compounds —
cyclic siloxanes — are traveling to places as far as the Arctic, and can be toxic to aquatic life.
Cyclic siloxanes are world travelers.
«However, with
cyclic siloxanes, a much smaller portion ends up in sediment and a much larger portion ends up in fish.»
Over the past decade, D5 has largely replaced D4 in cosmetics, according to
cyclic siloxane studies.