EPA Says Silicone Chemical Too Risky for People, Wildlife (1)

A chemical used to make rubber products, including silicone for commercial and consumer goods, poses too great a risk to human health and the environment, the EPA has preliminarily concluded.

A chemical commonly called D4 could harm women’s ability to have children as well as harm aquatic and land-based animals, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a draft risk evaluation it released Wednesday for public comment and scientific critique.

Companies use D4—or octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane—primarily to make silicone chemicals for products including baking sheets, keyboards, cell phones, solar panels, lubricants, adhesives and sealants, automotive care products, paints, cosmetics, personal care products, and ...