Study Finds Persistent Silicone Compounds in Atmosphere, Primarily from Traffic
Similar Articles
Study Refines Estimates of How Microplastics Enter the Atmosphere
New Study Finds Hundreds of Thousands of Nanoplastics in Bottled Water
Researchers Develop Faster Method to Detect Harmful Compounds in Food
MIT Study Finds Children May Face Higher Cancer Risk from NDMA Exposure
Study Links Environmental Pesticide Exposure to Increased Cancer Risk
Scientists have identified high levels of methylsiloxanes, a class of silicone compounds, in the atmosphere, with traffic emissions being a major source. These compounds, used in cosmetics, lubricants, and industrial products, are heat-resistant and persist during long-distance atmospheric transport unlike similar hydrocarbons. The highest concentrations were measured in urban areas.
Facts First
- High levels of methylsiloxanes detected in the atmosphere, with concentrations varying from 0.9 to 98 nanograms per cubic meter.
- Traffic emissions are a likely major source, accounting for more than half of the detected large-molecule particles.
- Methylsiloxanes persist during long-distance atmospheric transport, unlike similar long-chain hydrocarbons which decrease.
- Concentrations are far higher than typical PFAS levels, being more than a thousand times greater.
- The compounds are heat-resistant and survive combustion, allowing release through exhaust gases from ships and motor vehicles.
What Happened
A study has identified high levels of methylsiloxanes in the atmosphere, published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. These silicone compounds are used in cosmetics, industrial products, lubricants, transportation, and household items. Researchers discovered that ships and motor vehicles release a form of methylsiloxanes composed of larger molecules that do not easily evaporate. Measurements taken in the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Brazil showed concentrations ranging from 0.9 nanograms per cubic meter in a Lithuanian forest to 98 nanograms per cubic meter in the São Paolo metropolitan area.
Why this Matters to You
Methylsiloxanes account for between 2 and 4.3 percent of the total mass of organic aerosols in the atmosphere, a significant proportion. Because these compounds are heat-resistant and do not fully break down during combustion, they are released through exhaust gases and spread through the atmosphere. Unlike those hydrocarbons, however, methylsiloxanes remain stable and persist during long-distance transport. This means the compounds you encounter in your local air may not be solely from local sources; they could have traveled from distant urban or industrial areas.
What's Next
The study's findings highlight traffic emissions as a primary source of these persistent compounds. Further research may be needed to understand the full environmental and health implications of widespread methylsiloxane aerosols. Regulatory bodies and industries may look at these results when considering the lifecycle and emissions of products containing these silicone compounds.