Does silicone release toxins when heated?

Silicone material is often praised for being hypoallergenic for most people, not contributing significantly to environmental pollution, being durable for long-term use, and easy to clean... it really does sound like a great material. However, what if silicone releases toxins when heated?

After all, many materials do release harmful substances when heated: synthetic leather, non-natural rubber, BPA plastics, etc. Long-term exposure to high temperatures can cause these materials to release toxins, which could pose various levels of risk to health.

So, let's get to the answer! High-quality food-grade or medical-grade platinum silicone—including the material used for reborn silicone dolls—is safe at normal heating temperatures (typically ≤240°C) and will not release harmful toxins. Silicone has very stable chemical properties and is often used in medical devices, baby products, and reborn silicone dolls, which means it generally does not produce toxic substances.

But don’t rush to conclusions just yet—there are still a few things you should keep in mind. If you’d like to learn more reliable and clear information about silicone products, keep reading.

If you’re also interested in food safety, feel free to check out our blog post Are Silicone Cooking Utensils Safe to Use with Hot Foods? to learn more!

The "Grade" of Silicone is Key

The silicone used in everyday products like baby teething rings, tableware, silicone water balls, and high-end reborn silicone dolls is typically platinum-grade food-grade or medical-grade silicone. This type of silicone undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is free from harmful substances like BPA, PVC, and phthalates. It is chemically stable, non-toxic, and odorless. On the other hand, industrial-grade silicone (which is not used in baby or food-contact products) may contain lower-quality fillers, and when heated, it could potentially release harmful substances.

Safe Temperature Range for Everyday Use

High-quality food-grade and medical-grade silicone typically has a safe temperature tolerance range between -40°C to 230°C. Common everyday activities like boiling (100°C), steam sterilization, UV sterilization, or even short microwave heating are all well below the silicone’s maximum tolerance, meaning it will not decompose or release toxins. For example, the 180°C temperature tolerance indicated on baby teething rings is well within the safe range.

Risks Only Arise in Extreme Circumstances

Hazards occur only when silicone is heated to temperatures far exceeding its safe range—such as direct exposure to an open flame. At that point, the material may degrade, and combustion could even produce silica fumes. If this burning happens indoors, these fumes can settle on walls, pots, and countertops. However, this scenario is impossible during the normal use of any silicone product.

But if you ever accidentally set a silicone product on fire (as I once did!), don’t panic. It’s best to follow these guidelines:

Quick Fire Extinguishing

Do not use water to extinguish the flames: Silicone can generate heat at high temperatures, and contact with water may cause the fire to spread or release harmful gases.

Use a fire extinguisher: If available, use a dry powder extinguisher or a carbon dioxide extinguisher to put out the flames. Avoid using foam extinguishers or water.

Fire extinguisher operation: Make sure to follow the instructions on the extinguisher. Typically, you will need to pull the safety pin, stand at an appropriate distance (about 1-2 meters), and aim at the base of the fire before spraying.

Keep Away from the Fire Source

Maintain distance: Once a fire occurs, immediately move away from the fire source and ensure your safety. Silicone may release harmful smoke or gases during combustion, so avoid inhaling them.

Ensure ventilation: If the flames have been extinguished, open windows or doors to ensure proper ventilation and help clear any harmful gases from the room.

Avoid Contact

Do not touch the burned materials: After burning, silicone will be extremely hot, and its surface may become brittle or release harmful chemicals. Avoid direct contact. If necessary, wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the material.

Emergency Response

Burn Treatment: If accidentally burned by silicone flame or molten silicone, immediately flush the affected area with cold water for 10–20 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Smoke Inhalation: If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or other discomfort from inhaling fumes, move to a well-ventilated area with fresh air immediately and seek medical help.

Follow-Up Actions

Residue Cleanup: Combusted silicone may leave behind residue and harmful substances. Always wear protective gloves when cleaning. If you are unsure how to properly dispose of the residue, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.

Keep Away from Heat Sources: Never place silicone product like like reborn silicone dolls near open flames or high-temperature environments—especially heat-generating appliances such as stoves, ovens, and fireplaces.

Regular Inspections: Periodically check the condition of silicone products in your home. Discard any items that show signs of aging, damage, or deformation, as these issues can increase the risk of combustion.

How to Avoid These Risks

What if you’re using non-silicone products? Here’s how to minimize harm to yourself and the environment:

• Choose high-quality materials: Opt for certified food-grade or medical-grade materials whenever possible. These undergo rigorous testing and standardization, ensuring they do not leach harmful substances.
• Avoid high-temperature exposure: Keep plastic and other synthetic materials away from extreme heat—especially in high-temperature environments like microwaves or ovens.
• Opt for natural materials: When feasible, replace synthetic materials with natural alternatives (e.g., natural rubber, pure silicone) to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Regular inspections and maintenance: Check frequently used plastic and rubber products on a regular basis. Discard items that show signs of aging, cracking, or discoloration.

Final Thoughts

From personal experience, silicone produces a distinct odor when burning. If you suddenly smell an unusual scent, be sure to check your surroundings immediately! 😲

Always look for authoritative certification marks such as CPC, CE, LFGB, and FDA when purchasing silicone products to ensure they are made of food-grade or medical-grade silicone. Additionally, keep silicone products away from open flames or ultra-high temperatures. Follow these guidelines, and you can use silicone products with complete peace of mind.

FAQs

Q: Will silicone release toxins when heated?

A: High-quality food-grade/medical-grade platinum silicone won't release harmful toxins at normal temperatures (≤240°C); it only decomposes in extreme cases like open flame burning.

Q: What's the difference between food-grade silicone and regular silicone?

A: Food-grade silicone uses platinum curing, is non-toxic and odorless, and passes FDA/LFGB certifications; regular industrial-grade may contain fillers and easily release odors when heated—not suitable for food contact.

Q: Can silicone products go in the microwave or oven?

A: Yes! Food-grade silicone withstands -40°C to 230°C; short microwave or oven heating is safe—just don't exceed the product's marked temperature.

Q: What to do if a silicone product catches fire?

A: Don't use water to extinguish! Move away from the fire, use dry powder or CO₂ extinguisher, and ventilate well. If you inhale smoke or get burned, seek medical help immediately.

Q: How to choose safe silicone products?

A: Pick ones with FDA/LFGB/CE certifications and labeled “platinum silicone” or “food-grade.” Avoid super-cheap unknown sources. Clean or empty-bake before first use to remove any odors.