Although silicon is not recognised as a toxic species for humans & is even used as a food additive, the toxicological effects of silica are not well documented. It is considered an essential element for humans, & its mode of action is related to the formation of bones, although silicon has been found in the aorta, skin, tendons, & nails. In this paper, the release of silica from glass by action of constituents from pharmaceutical formulations was investigated. The study included products used in large volumes & usually stored in glass containers. Released silicates were measured either by photometry of atomic absorption spectrometry, depending on the nature of the sample. Results showed silicate is released during the heating cycle even if the contact is with pure water only. The pH exerts a considerable influence on the release, the higher the pH, the higher the silica dissolved. An elevated pH, however, is not the only factor responsible for silica dissolution.
