Silicon (Symbol Si, Latin silex flint)-A nonmetallic element found in nature as silica. Silica (SiO2) is simply one atom of the element silicon bonded to two oxygen atoms. Silica is found in agate, quartz, amethyst, flint, sand, chalcedony and cristobalite. Silica mined from these sources is used in dental porcelain, and dental abrasives (tooth polishes). Since silica contains silicon, our concerns are in regards to interaction with human metabolism. In the human, absolute requirement has not been demonstrated, although bone abnormalities sometimes occur in animals deficient in silicon. Silicon is found in small amounts in human tissues and may be play a "component" role in the ground substance, a gel-like matrix composed of glycosaminoglycans (carbohydrate chains and protein) that attract water. Silcon may also play a "component" role in connective tissues.
RDA of silicon
An RDA for silicon has not yet been established.
Toxicity of silicon
Silicon from silica in the atmosphere from industrial processes (ie., sanblasting) can deposit in the eyes, ears, nose and lungs. Deposit in the lungs, causes the pathology known as silicosis.